It is a widely held belief among many that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups impede former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.
While respecting the inner life of animals – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film on such a setup holds water remains debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of director Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than a light film. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions are modest. The plot is destined to be straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – as seen in flurries clinging to lush pines as North Carolina doubles as a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and one's taste for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. It provides a plethora of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and while this leads to some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides 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 click for some but not others. The character comes across as a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, the canine performer is convincing at flopping and whining – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that the title character is by far the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with less exposition and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.
