It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements hinder individuals from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and become annoying for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents attest to their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in pet despair, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by Gus the Dog, would struggle coping with split households. The idea of basing a full holiday film on this conflict holds water remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than its premise. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience rests upon the execution and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who scroll endlessly for pet content. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the unusual premise. He brings a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, notably when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog succeeds in acting depressed – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering the title character is easily the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for the split could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting is not terrible – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video this December.
