This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that co-parenting a pet following a split is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such setups impede ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to feel down.
While respecting the mental health of animals – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adapting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict holds water remains debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. The narrative unfolds as straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries piled on lush pines as a summer location substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and one's taste for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness does not extend for the human side of the story. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. He brings a charming humility that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. The character seems a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Gus the Dog succeeds in acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to give weight to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their original breakup would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video on December 10th.
