It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations impede former couples from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.
While respecting the mental health of animals – many owners observe their deep emotional capacity. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable remains debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – played by familiar faces – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the humiliating and funny demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. The character comes across as a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Merv himself is convincing at acting depressed – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a very good boy.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is by far the best part of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – though it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
