This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a dog after a breakup is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such situations impede former couples from finding closure, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, 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 – many owners speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict works effectively seems debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, written by its screenwriters and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than its premise. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. The plot is destined to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as North Carolina doubles as a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
How these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who browse regularly for pet content. It provides a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, 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 silliness and cringe inherent in the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. The character comes across as a touch too detached, notably when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to provide depth to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is by far the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict is not terrible – but it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.
