This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements impede former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.
Without minimizing the inner life of dogs – pet parents observe their deep emotional capacity. For a prime example in pet despair, one need only look another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult coping with split households. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation works effectively seems a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. It functions as a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. The plot is destined to be straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – including familiar faces – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
If these standard ingredients merge into something enjoyable depends on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for pet content. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and while this leads to some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
This level of success cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a consistent feel. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe inherent in the unusual premise. He brings a charming humility that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. The character can feel a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Merv himself is convincing at looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since the dog is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Creating a movie with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
