This is a widely held belief in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion after a breakup is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements hinder former couples from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to become depressed.
Without minimizing the mental health of dogs – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. To witness a masterclass in canine melancholy, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog portrayed by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to split households. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable seems rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than a light film. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions remains surface-level. The narrative unfolds as simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – played by 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 wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location substitutes for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who seek out for pet content. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is Merv himself, and while this leads to some stilted moments between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between serious study, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master a single genre. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace 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. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character seems a little too aloof, notably when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer succeeds in acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – though it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
