This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet following a split is ill-advised. Most will argue such arrangements impede individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying for all parties. As it turns out, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to become depressed.
While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – countless people attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adapting to life in two homes. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water is debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions remains surface-level. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, dog depression, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to give weight to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, given that the title character is by far the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
