This is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups prevent ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to feel down.
Without minimizing the inner life of dogs – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film on such a setup holds water seems a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than its premise. This is a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. The narrative unfolds as straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think fake snow piled on green trees as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
How these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise is not earned for the romantic plot. Its style vacillates between serious study, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward inherent in the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, since the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
