This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that co-parenting a pet post-separation is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such setups impede ex-partners from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating 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 emotional well-being of animals – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance around this situation holds water seems rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than a light film. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – as seen in fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and one's taste for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, not quite landing a single genre. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.