It is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups impede ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to experience sadness.
While respecting the mental health of animals – many owners attest to their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in pet despair, one need only look another performance. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom on such a setup works effectively is debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as a warm climate substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
If these standard ingredients come together into a pleasant experience rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for cute animal clips. It provides a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the dog, and while this leads to some awkward editing between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness does not extend for the human side of the story. The tone vacillates between serious study, broad humor, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing a single genre. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, the canine performer manages looking despondent – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains an excellent dog.)
The story strives to add substance to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, since Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.