It is a widely held belief for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder individuals from moving forward, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. As it turns out, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – countless people speak of their remarkable empathy. If you need standout portrayal in pet despair, consider another performance. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to split households. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation holds water remains a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than its premise. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline proves to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – think obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as North Carolina doubles as the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for cute animal clips. The film delivers a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, pet moping, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. This is not Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since the dog is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split would feel more nuanced with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting is not terrible – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.
