This is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is ill-advised. Most will argue such arrangements hinder individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. Apparently, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of our pets – countless people attest to their remarkable empathy. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time coping with split households. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation holds water seems rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than a light film. This is a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth is limited. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will surely realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – think flurries surrounding green trees as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience rests upon the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the canine star, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, the canine performer manages looking despondent – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video this December.
