This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that jointly caring for a dog following a split is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for all parties. Seemingly, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – countless people speak of their deep emotional capacity. If you need prime example in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation works effectively remains rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than its premise. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. Its storyline unfolds as straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries piled on lush pines as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for cute animal clips. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a bit too dry, notably when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a very good boy.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is by far the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
