This is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups hinder former couples from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents attest to their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in pet despair, one need only look a past film. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to split households. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity remains surface-level. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these standard ingredients coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for pet content. Audiences receive a plethora of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and while this leads to some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between emotional depth, broad humor, 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. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages acting depressed – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a very good boy.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that the title character is easily the best part of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split might seem more grounded and mature with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
