It is a widely held belief for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder individuals from finding closure, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and become annoying for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.
Not to downplay the mental health of animals – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in canine melancholy, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adapting to split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water is debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than its premise. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity remains surface-level. The plot is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – think flurries surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location substitutes for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements come together into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – the kind who scroll endlessly for pet content. It provides a plethora of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the canine star, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie does offer dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, wacky comedy, predictable love story, 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 inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. The character comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The cause for the split could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – though it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
