This is a widely held belief among many that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations impede former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to split households. If this concept a full holiday film on such a setup is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. The narrative proves to be straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for dog videos. It provides a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, the canine performer manages flopping and whining – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a very good boy.)
The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since the title character is undoubtedly the cutest element of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their original breakup could have been more grounded and mature with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
