It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet following a split is a terrible idea. Most will argue such setups prevent former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
While respecting the inner life of animals – many owners attest to their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in pet despair, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to split households. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation works effectively remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than its premise. It functions as a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – featuring a group of comedic actors – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic has the quality of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – think flurries piled on lush pines as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
How these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who scroll endlessly for pet content. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a single genre. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is fully game the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character comes across as a little too aloof, notably when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)
The story strives to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering Merv is easily the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for their original breakup could have been more grounded and mature with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – though I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
