This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that jointly caring for a pet following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such situations impede ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and become annoying for all parties. As it turns out, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to feel down.
While respecting the inner life of our pets – countless people observe their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adapting to split households. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup works effectively is a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. This is a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. The plot is destined to be straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – including a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow clinging to green trees as North Carolina doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some stilted moments between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The story strives to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that the dog is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The reason for the split could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.
