This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations impede individuals from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents attest to their remarkable empathy. For a standout portrayal in pet despair, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively is debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, written by its screenwriters and helmed by director Swale, never aspires to be more profound than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow surrounding green trees as a warm climate stands in for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
If these standard ingredients merge into a pleasant experience hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for pet content. The film delivers a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between emotional depth, broad humor, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing a single genre. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is fully game the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is by far the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
