It is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements prevent ex-partners from healing, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and become annoying for all parties. Apparently, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
Without minimizing the inner life of animals – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to split households. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup is sustainable seems debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. It functions as a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
If these familiar elements merge into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some stilted moments between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie does offer dog beach fun, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, never fully committing to a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to add substance to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, since the title character is by far the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split could have been more grounded and mature with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
