It is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet following a split is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements prevent former couples from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable remains a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions are modest. The narrative unfolds as straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – as seen in fake snow clinging to green trees as a warm climate doubles as a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements come together into something enjoyable depends on the strength of the performances and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing a single genre. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. His performance contains a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at flopping and whining – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a very good boy.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for their original breakup might seem more grounded and mature with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
