It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion after a breakup is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations hinder ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Without minimizing the inner life of dogs – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in pet despair, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to split households. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup works effectively remains a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. The narrative proves to be simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring familiar faces – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for pet content. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and while this leads to some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style shifts uneasily between emotional depth, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, the canine performer succeeds in acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, given that the dog is easily the best part of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
