This is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such situations impede ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and become annoying for all parties. Seemingly, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to feel down.
While respecting the inner life of animals – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in pet despair, consider another performance. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept a full holiday film on such a setup holds water remains debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. The plot proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – played by a group of comedic actors – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as North Carolina stands in for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements come together into something enjoyable rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie does offer dog beach fun, pet moping, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise is not earned for the romantic plot. The tone shifts uneasily between emotional depth, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)
The story strives to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering Merv is easily the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for the split might seem more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
