It is a widely held belief among many that co-parenting a pet after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and become annoying for all parties. Seemingly, as a development suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to feel down.
Without minimizing the inner life of dogs – countless people speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a standout portrayal in pet despair, simply recall another performance. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to split households. The idea of basing a full holiday film on such a setup holds water is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than its premise. It functions as a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity are modest. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – as seen in fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
How these standard ingredients merge into something enjoyable rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)
The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering the dog is easily the best part of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – but it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.
