It is a widely held belief in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups prevent individuals from healing, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
While respecting the inner life of our pets – many owners observe their deep emotional capacity. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, consider recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by its screenwriters and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. We have here a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity are modest. The narrative proves to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries surrounding verdant foliage as North Carolina substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a plethora of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the canine star, and even if it causes some stilted moments between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness does not extend for the human side of the story. The film's approach shifts uneasily between emotional depth, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward inherent in the unusual premise. He brings a charming humility that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character comes across as a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a very good boy.)
Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering Merv is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting is not terrible – even if it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
