This is a widely held belief for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such arrangements prevent individuals from finding closure, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall another performance. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than a light film. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – serve as the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think fake snow surrounding green trees as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
If these familiar elements merge into something enjoyable depends on the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who browse regularly for cute animal clips. It provides a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the dog, and while this leads to some stilted moments between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, pet moping, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, notably when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering the dog is undoubtedly the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split would feel more grounded and mature with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
