It is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations prevent ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying for everyone involved. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.
Without minimizing the mental health of dogs – countless people speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in pet despair, simply recall recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable remains debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. It functions as a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. The narrative is destined to be straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as North Carolina stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
How these familiar elements merge into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. Audiences receive a plethora of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success does not extend for the human side of the story. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, broad humor, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, notably when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog succeeds in acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – even if it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
