This is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations impede former couples from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and become annoying for everyone involved. As it turns out, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.
Without minimizing the mental health of our pets – countless people speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable remains rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity remains surface-level. The narrative proves to be simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – think obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
If these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a plethora of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie does offer canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, notably when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
The film attempts to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is by far the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for the split might seem more adult and realistic with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise has potential – though I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
