This is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a pet following a split is ill-advised. Most will argue such setups hinder former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.
While respecting the mental health of animals – countless people attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in pet despair, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation holds water is a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than what it is. This is a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – think obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as North Carolina doubles as the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
How these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch rests upon the strength of the performances and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. Audiences receive a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, notably when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to provide depth to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is undoubtedly the cutest element of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
