It is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such setups prevent former couples from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and become annoying for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents attest to their deep emotional capacity. To witness a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to split households. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation works effectively is debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of director Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. It functions as a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity are modest. The narrative is destined to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – as seen in flurries surrounding lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these predictable parts merge into something enjoyable hinges on the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to add substance to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that the title character is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
