It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations hinder ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating across the board. Seemingly, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – pet parents speak of their deep emotional capacity. If you need masterclass in pet despair, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adapting to life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation holds water is a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions remains surface-level. Its storyline proves to be straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (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. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – serve as the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – think obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable depends on the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, pet moping, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between emotional depth, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing a single genre. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a bit too dry, particularly when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, given that the dog is by far the best part of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their separation might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – but I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.
