This is a widely held belief for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet following a split is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such setups hinder individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. If you need standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adapting to split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation works effectively remains rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – including familiar faces – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look has the quality of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – think obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
How these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable rests upon the strength of the performances and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her Anna comes across as a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that the title character is by far the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – though it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
