This is a widely held belief for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and become annoying for all parties. Apparently, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, consider another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adapting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation holds water seems debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline proves to be straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina substitutes for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
How these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for pet content. The film delivers a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the canine star, and while this leads to some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, pet moping, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style vacillates between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is fully game the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a bit too dry, especially when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer succeeds in looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since the dog is undoubtedly the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for the split would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
