It is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog following a split is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such setups impede ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.
While respecting the inner life of animals – many owners speak of their remarkable empathy. For a standout portrayal in pet despair, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable is debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who seek out for cute animal clips. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and while this leads to some awkward editing between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success is not earned for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master a single genre. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. He brings a endearing lack of ego that provides much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a bit too dry, especially when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to add substance to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is easily the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
