This is a widely held belief for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements impede ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying for all parties. Apparently, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – countless people speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in pet despair, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film on such a setup is sustainable remains a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. The plot proves to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in fake snow surrounding lush pines as North Carolina stands in for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success does not extend for the human side of the story. The tone shifts uneasily between emotional depth, broad humor, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character comes across as a bit too dry, notably when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering Merv is undoubtedly the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – though it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.
