This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog following a split is ill-advised. Most will argue such setups hinder ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to feel down.
While respecting the inner life of our pets – many owners speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would struggle coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and directed by director Swale, never aspires to be deeper than a light film. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – as seen in flurries piled on green trees as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these standard ingredients come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who scroll endlessly for pet content. Audiences receive a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the canine star, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, the canine performer manages looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, since Merv is by far the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
