It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog following a split is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such setups impede individuals from healing, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adapting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom on such a setup holds water remains rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, never aspires to be deeper than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity are modest. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – including familiar faces – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – think obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements coalesce into a pleasant experience rests upon the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a single genre. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, since the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
