This is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements impede individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying for all parties. Seemingly, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of our pets – countless people attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look a past film. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adapting to divided living arrangements. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on this conflict works effectively is rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and helmed by director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. It functions as a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the depth remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing a single genre. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a little too aloof, notably when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages looking despondent – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering Merv is easily the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split would feel more grounded and mature with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video this December.
