This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such setups impede individuals from healing, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to experience sadness.
While respecting the inner life of animals – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need standout portrayal in canine melancholy, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with split households. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on this conflict is sustainable seems rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. It functions as a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. Its storyline proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as a summer location substitutes for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
How these familiar elements merge into something enjoyable depends on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, notably when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog manages acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since the title character is by far the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise has potential – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video on December 10th.
