It is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations impede former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying across the board. As it turns out, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to feel down.
Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – pet parents observe their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup holds water is a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than its premise. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – think obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
How these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience depends on the actors' work and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a single genre. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since Merv is undoubtedly the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their original breakup would feel more grounded and mature with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video this December.
