It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet following a split is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations hinder former couples from moving forward, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, one need only look a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on this conflict works effectively remains rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by its screenwriters and under the guidance of director Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. The plot unfolds as straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – think fake snow clinging to green trees as a warm climate stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
If these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a series of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is fully game the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character comes across as a bit too dry, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself manages looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that the title character is easily the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup might seem more grounded and mature with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.