This is a widely held belief for numerous people that co-parenting a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups impede individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – many owners speak of their remarkable empathy. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, one need only look another performance. There is little doubt 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 around this situation works effectively remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions are modest. The plot proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – played by a group of comedic actors – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by fake snow surrounding lush pines as a warm climate doubles as a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable rests upon the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for dog videos. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. The character seems a bit too dry, notably when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself is convincing at flopping and whining – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a very good boy.)
The film attempts to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, since the dog is undoubtedly the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for the split could have been more nuanced with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting every expected note. Creating a movie with this canine conflict is not terrible – though I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
