It is a widely held belief in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog following a split is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. As it turns out, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to become depressed.
While respecting the inner life of animals – pet parents attest to their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by Gus the Dog, would struggle coping with life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation works effectively seems debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. We have here a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. The plot is destined to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – think fake snow piled on verdant foliage as North Carolina stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
How these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. It provides a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The tone shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the absurd and awkward inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, notably when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since Merv is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.
