This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that sharing custody a dog after a breakup is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such setups prevent individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
While respecting the mental health of animals – pet parents speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in pet despair, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable seems rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth remains surface-level. The narrative unfolds as straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look has the quality of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
If these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who scroll endlessly for pet content. The film delivers a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and while this leads to some awkward editing between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the dog resort scenario. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character seems a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict is not terrible – though it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
