This is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements prevent individuals from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to become depressed.
While respecting the inner life of dogs – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look a past film. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult coping with split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict holds water seems debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions is limited. The plot unfolds as straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – serve as the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these predictable parts coalesce into a pleasant experience rests upon the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is Merv himself, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, pet moping, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between emotional depth, broad humor, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a likable self-deprecation that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, notably when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself manages acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that the title character is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their separation might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Prime Video this December.
