This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is ill-advised. Most will argue such arrangements impede individuals from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – countless people observe their deep emotional capacity. For a prime example in dog sorrow, consider a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable is debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than a light film. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic has the quality of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by fake snow piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate stands in for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
If these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – those people who scroll endlessly for pet content. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and while this leads to some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between serious study, broad humor, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a single genre. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that provides much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)
The story strives to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.
