This is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such situations prevent ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to feel down.
While respecting the mental health of animals – pet parents attest to their remarkable empathy. If you need masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time coping with split households. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation holds water seems rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than its premise. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. The plot proves to be straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in fake snow piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate stands in for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the canine star, and even if it causes some stilted moments between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The film's approach shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, not quite landing a consistent feel. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, the canine performer manages acting depressed – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since the dog is easily the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for the split would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting every expected note. Creating a movie with this canine conflict is not terrible – though it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
