This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.
While respecting the mental health of our pets – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively seems rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. Its storyline unfolds as straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look has the quality of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – think flurries clinging to lush pines as a warm climate stands in for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
How these predictable parts merge into something enjoyable hinges on the execution and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who scroll endlessly for pet content. The film delivers a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is Merv himself, and even if it causes some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
This level of success is not earned for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, failing to master a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. The character seems a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at acting depressed – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is undoubtedly the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for the split might seem more nuanced with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.
