It is a widely held belief in certain circles that co-parenting a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups hinder ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners observe their deep emotional capacity. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would struggle coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on such a setup works effectively remains debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries piled on lush pines as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the execution and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for pet content. It provides a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
The same praise cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The tone shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing a single genre. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages looking despondent – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains an excellent dog.)
The story strives to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, since the dog is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.
