This is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying for everyone involved. As it turns out, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to become depressed.
While respecting the mental health of animals – many owners attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in pet despair, consider another performance. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adapting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water seems rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, written by its screenwriters and helmed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity are modest. The narrative unfolds as straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – think fake snow clinging to lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise is not earned for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, failing to master a single genre. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a charming humility that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since the dog is by far the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
