This is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such arrangements hinder former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.
While respecting the mental health of animals – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in pet despair, consider recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation works effectively is debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than its premise. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the complexity are modest. The plot proves to be straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – think fake snow clinging to green trees as a summer location substitutes for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
How these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for pet content. It provides a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer dog beach fun, pet moping, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between emotional depth, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward inherent in the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. The character comes across as a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself is convincing at flopping and whining – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, considering the dog is by far the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting every expected note. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.
