It is a widely held belief for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements hinder former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in canine melancholy, one need only look another performance. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time coping with split households. The idea of basing a full holiday film on this conflict holds water is debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. It functions as a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: former spouses 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 therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on green trees as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these familiar elements merge into something enjoyable depends on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who browse regularly for pet content. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the canine star, and while this leads to some stilted moments between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Gus the Dog succeeds in acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)
The story strives to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since the title character is easily the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation could have been more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
