This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups impede ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. Seemingly, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to feel down.
Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – many owners observe their deep emotional capacity. If you need standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept a feature-length romcom on such a setup holds water is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and under the guidance of director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than what it is. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – as seen in fake snow surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
If these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and one's taste for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who seek out for cute animal clips. The film delivers a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a little too aloof, notably when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, the canine performer manages acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The story strives to add substance to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that the title character is easily the cutest element of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation might seem more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
