This is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such arrangements prevent former couples from healing, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and prove frustrating across the board. As it turns out, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
While respecting the mental health of animals – pet parents attest to their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in pet despair, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable is debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of director Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. It functions as a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. The narrative is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic has the quality of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – think flurries surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
How these predictable parts coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for pet content. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the dog, and while this leads to some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to provide depth to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that the dog is undoubtedly the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup could have been more nuanced with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.
