This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder individuals from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and become annoying across the board. As it turns out, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in canine melancholy, consider another performance. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with split households. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable seems debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow surrounding green trees as a warm climate substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
How these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and one's taste for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Human Element
This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach shifts uneasily between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering Merv is by far the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
