This is a widely held belief for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements hinder former couples from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the inner life of animals – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation works effectively remains a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions are modest. The narrative unfolds as straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by 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 dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients come together into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who browse regularly for pet content. Audiences receive a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and physical comedy, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. The character seems a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Merv himself is convincing at flopping and whining – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a very good boy.)
The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, given that Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – but it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video on December 10th.
