This is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a canine companion after a breakup is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder individuals from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to become depressed.
Without minimizing the inner life of our pets – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. For a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to split households. Whether this premise a full holiday film on this conflict works effectively is a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, written by its screenwriters and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions is limited. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a single genre. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, notably when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, since Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.
