This is a widely held belief among many that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such situations impede ex-partners from healing, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. As it turns out, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. For a masterclass in pet despair, simply recall another performance. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult coping with split households. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on such a setup is sustainable seems debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and directed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than a light film. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. The narrative is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will presumably realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries clinging to lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
How these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The story strives to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that the dog is easily the best part of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Creating a movie with this canine conflict is not terrible – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
