It is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such setups prevent ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Without minimizing the mental health of dogs – many owners observe their deep emotional capacity. If you need prime example in pet despair, one need only look another performance. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to divided living arrangements. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water is rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than what it is. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. Its storyline unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – think obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and one's taste for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who browse regularly for pet content. The film delivers a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success cannot be applied for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to provide depth 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 film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for the split could have been more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video this December.
