This is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups hinder individuals from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.
While respecting the mental health of our pets – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. If you need prime example in pet despair, one need only look recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adapting to split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water is a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than its premise. It functions as a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – think obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as a summer location stands in for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these standard ingredients come together into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – those people who seek out for cute animal clips. The film delivers a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and while this leads to some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style vacillates between emotional depth, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character comes across as a touch too detached, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is undoubtedly the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – though I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
