This is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder former couples from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – countless people speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a standout portrayal in pet despair, one need only look recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on this conflict is sustainable is a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than what it is. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the complexity remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries clinging to green trees as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these standard ingredients come together into a pleasant experience rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
The same praise is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. He brings a endearing lack of ego that provides much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. The character comes across as a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The film attempts to add substance to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, considering Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.
