This is a widely held belief in certain circles that co-parenting a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements prevent former couples from finding closure, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of animals – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, consider another performance. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film on this conflict works effectively remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. We have here a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. Its storyline proves to be straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – featuring familiar faces – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries clinging to lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
If these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience rests upon the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a single genre. This is not Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
Merv tries to give weight to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, since the title character is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Creating a movie with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
