This is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such arrangements hinder former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in pet despair, one need only look recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on this conflict is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than its premise. This is a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions are modest. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – featuring a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – think flurries piled on lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
How these predictable parts merge into something enjoyable depends on the execution and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who browse regularly for pet content. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe inherent in the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, notably when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that the title character is by far the best part of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more grounded and mature with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – though I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
