This is a widely held belief in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements prevent ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – countless people attest to their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in pet despair, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adapting to split households. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup works effectively seems a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by its screenwriters and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity are modest. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – as seen in flurries surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for pet content. Audiences receive a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the human side of the story. Its style shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a single genre. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. His performance contains a charming humility that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog succeeds in acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still an excellent dog.)
The story strives to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – though it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video this December.
