It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such arrangements hinder individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for all parties. As it turns out, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to feel down.
Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look a past film. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable remains debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. The narrative proves to be straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries clinging to lush pines as a summer location substitutes for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – the kind who scroll endlessly for pet content. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and even if it causes some awkward editing between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
The same praise is not earned for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, notably when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for the split might seem more grounded and mature with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
