This is a widely held belief for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such situations hinder former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the mental health of animals – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, consider recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup works effectively seems rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than its premise. It functions as a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries surrounding green trees as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who seek out for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and while this leads to some awkward editing between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, not quite landing a single genre. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. He brings a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog succeeds in looking despondent – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, since the title character is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – though I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.
