It is a widely held belief in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion after a breakup is ill-advised. Most will argue such arrangements impede former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying for all parties. As it turns out, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in pet despair, consider a past film. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable is rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity remains surface-level. Its storyline proves to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – featuring familiar faces – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – exemplified by fake snow piled on green trees as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
If these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a charming humility that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, notably when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)
The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since the title character is easily the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for the split would feel more grounded and mature with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting is not terrible – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.
