This is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements hinder ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating across the board. As it turns out, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners observe their deep emotional capacity. To witness a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film on such a setup holds water remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – think fake snow piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
How these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch depends on the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie does offer canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between serious study, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, failing to master a single genre. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. The character can feel a bit too dry, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at acting depressed – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still an excellent dog.)
The story strives to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – but it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
