This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a pet after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder individuals from finding closure, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and become annoying for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to feel down.
Without minimizing the inner life of our pets – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. If you need masterclass in pet despair, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance around this situation holds water remains rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and helmed by director Swale, never aspires to be deeper than what it is. This is a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will surely realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow clinging to green trees as a warm climate doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
If these familiar elements coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for pet content. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between emotional depth, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog is convincing at acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Creating a movie with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – though it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform this December.
