This is a widely held belief for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such arrangements hinder former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to feel down.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of animals – countless people speak of their remarkable empathy. If you need standout portrayal in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to split households. If this concept a full holiday film on such a setup holds water remains a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by its screenwriters and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. The narrative is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate stands in for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable hinges on the execution and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for pet content. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, pet moping, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a touch too detached, notably when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages acting depressed – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a very good boy.)
The story strives to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for the split could have been more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
