This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements prevent ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.
While respecting the mental health of our pets – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time coping with divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film on this conflict holds water is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, written by the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the ambitions is limited. The narrative unfolds as straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only 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. Ensemble players – including a group of comedic actors – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think fake snow surrounding green trees as a summer location substitutes for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
How these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who browse regularly for cute animal clips. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the canine star, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, pet moping, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
This level of success does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, not quite landing a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since the dog is by far the best part of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for the split might seem more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.
