This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a dog post-separation is ill-advised. Most will argue such setups prevent individuals from finding closure, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and become annoying for everyone involved. As it turns out, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to feel down.
While respecting the mental health of our pets – many owners observe their deep emotional capacity. If you need prime example in pet despair, simply recall recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adapting to split households. Whether this premise a full holiday film on this conflict holds water remains rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. The plot proves to be straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic has the quality of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on green trees as North Carolina stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
If these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – those people who seek out for cute animal clips. The film delivers a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the canine star, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
This level of success cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character can feel a bit too dry, notably when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still an excellent dog.)
The story strives to provide depth to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for their original breakup might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.
