This is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a pet following a split is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such arrangements hinder ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the mental health of animals – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in pet despair, consider a past film. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water remains debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. It functions as a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions remains surface-level. The narrative proves to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
The same praise cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward inherent in the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. The character seems a touch too detached, notably when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Merv himself is convincing at acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a very good boy.)
Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since Merv is easily the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – though it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
