This is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a pet following a split is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent former couples from healing, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. Seemingly, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents attest to their deep emotional capacity. If you need standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to split households. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water seems rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. The narrative proves to be straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – including familiar faces – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in 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.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a charming humility that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. The character comes across as a bit too dry, particularly when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in flopping and whining – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, since the dog is easily the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.
