It is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a pet after a breakup is ill-advised. Most will argue such setups impede individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation holds water is a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. Its storyline unfolds as straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch depends on the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for pet content. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the dog, and while this leads to some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise is not earned for the romantic plot. The tone shifts uneasily between emotional depth, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe inherent in the unusual premise. His performance contains a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is easily the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.
