It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to become depressed.
While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. For a masterclass in pet despair, simply recall another performance. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a full holiday film on this conflict holds water seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than its premise. We have here a holiday release from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
If these standard ingredients merge into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for pet content. It provides a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and while this leads to some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between emotional depth, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, not quite landing a single genre. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself manages looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
The story strives to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is easily the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for the split could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – though it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
