This is a common warning among many that co-parenting a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups impede former couples from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to feel down.
While respecting the mental health of dogs – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation works effectively seems a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, written by its screenwriters and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than its premise. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. Its storyline proves to be straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in fake snow surrounding green trees as North Carolina stands in for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who scroll endlessly for pet content. It provides a series of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the dog, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success cannot be applied for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between emotional depth, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward inherent in the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at acting depressed – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still an excellent dog.)
The story strives to provide depth to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, considering the dog is easily the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for the split might seem more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
