It is a widely held belief for numerous people that sharing custody a pet after a breakup is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such situations impede ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of animals – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film on such a setup holds water is debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than its premise. It functions as a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. Its storyline unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
If these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable rests upon the execution and one's taste for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who browse regularly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
The same praise is not earned for the romantic plot. The tone shifts uneasily between emotional depth, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is fully game the silliness and cringe required by the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, particularly when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, since Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for the split could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
