This is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. Most will argue such situations prevent former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
While respecting the mental health of our pets – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable seems debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and while this leads to some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
The same praise is not earned for the romantic plot. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe inherent in the unusual premise. His performance contains a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. The character comes across as a touch too detached, notably when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their original breakup could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
