This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a pet following a split is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations prevent ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a standout portrayal in pet despair, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on such a setup is sustainable remains debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than what it is. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
If these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. The film delivers a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself is convincing at looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since the title character is by far the cutest element of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation could have been more nuanced with less exposition and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Creating a movie with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
