It is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements prevent former couples from finding closure, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and become annoying for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.
While respecting the mental health of dogs – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adapting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable is a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than its premise. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the complexity are modest. The narrative proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – featuring a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – think fake snow clinging to lush pines as a warm climate stands in for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
How these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for cute animal clips. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. The character seems a little too aloof, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)
The story strives to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is by far the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – though it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
