This is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such situations impede ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and become annoying across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to feel down.
Not to downplay the mental health of animals – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in dog sorrow, consider another performance. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would struggle coping with divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a full holiday film on such a setup holds water remains rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. Its storyline proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – including familiar faces – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – think flurries piled on verdant foliage as North Carolina doubles as a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
How these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience rests upon the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and while this leads to some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, given that the dog is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation would feel more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
