This is a common warning among many that sharing custody a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such setups impede ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and become annoying across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.
Without minimizing the inner life of dogs – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adapting to life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation holds water seems debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than its premise. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the complexity remains surface-level. The plot proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – 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 – think obvious snow effects piled on green trees as North Carolina substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the execution and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for cute animal clips. It provides a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
This level of success does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between serious study, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe inherent in the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog succeeds in looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, given that the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split would feel more nuanced with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
