It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such arrangements prevent ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Without minimizing the inner life of animals – countless people speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, consider a past film. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to split households. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation works effectively is debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. This is a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. The narrative proves to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – think fake snow piled on green trees as a summer location doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, pet moping, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. He brings a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog succeeds in acting depressed – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a very good boy.)
Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The reason for the split would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
