This is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups prevent former couples from moving forward, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
While respecting the mental health of our pets – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adapting to split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation is sustainable is debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than its premise. This is a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the depth remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as the usual assortment of types. The film's look has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – think fake snow clinging to green trees as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
How these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable depends on the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a plethora of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
This level of success is not earned for the romantic plot. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. The character can feel a touch too detached, notably when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself is convincing at flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise has potential – though I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
