It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations hinder ex-partners from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.
While respecting the mental health of our pets – pet parents attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a masterclass in pet despair, simply recall recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation works effectively is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. The plot proves to be simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – including a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – think obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
How these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and while this leads to some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie does offer walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
The same praise cannot be applied for the human side of the story. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their separation would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – though it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform this December.
