This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder former couples from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, as a development suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict works effectively seems rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and helmed by director Swale, never aspires to be more profound than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. The narrative is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as a warm climate stands in for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
How these predictable parts coalesce into a pleasant experience hinges on the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise is not earned for the human side of the story. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a bit too dry, notably when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, the canine performer is convincing at flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, given that the dog is by far the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – though it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
