This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such setups prevent ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the mental health of animals – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in pet despair, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would struggle coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation holds water is debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by its screenwriters and helmed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than its premise. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries surrounding lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
If these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and while this leads to some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. His performance contains a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. The character seems a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
