It is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations hinder ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
Without minimizing the mental health of our pets – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable is rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by its screenwriters and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. It functions as a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – including familiar faces – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and one's taste for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who browse regularly for cute animal clips. It provides a plethora of adorable dog montages. 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 does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success is not earned for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Merv himself is convincing at looking despondent – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The story strives to add substance to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, considering the dog is undoubtedly the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.
