This is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements impede former couples from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to split households. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation works effectively is debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. It functions as a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity are modest. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually has the quality of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – exemplified by fake snow clinging to lush pines as a summer location substitutes for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
How these familiar elements coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who scroll endlessly for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, pet moping, and, finally, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. The tone wavers between emotional depth, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to a single genre. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer manages acting depressed – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
