It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations hinder former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the mental health of animals – many owners speak of their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in pet despair, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film on this conflict holds water is debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than its premise. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. The narrative proves to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing 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 should reunite. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries clinging to lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
How these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and while this leads to some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a bit too dry, particularly when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, given that the dog is easily the cutest element of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.
