It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that jointly caring for a dog following a split is a terrible idea. Most will argue such situations impede former couples from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. As it turns out, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to become depressed.
Without minimizing the inner life of our pets – countless people speak of their deep emotional capacity. For a standout portrayal in pet despair, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable remains rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and helmed by director Swale, never aspires to be anything more than its premise. This is a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. The plot proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will surely rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – played by familiar faces – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries clinging to green trees as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. The character can feel a bit too dry, notably when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is easily the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, hitting every expected note. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
