It is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder individuals from moving forward, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and become annoying for all parties. Apparently, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a standout portrayal in pet despair, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to split households. The idea of basing a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. We have here a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. The narrative is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will presumably realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by familiar faces – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – think flurries piled on verdant foliage as a summer location substitutes for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
How these standard ingredients coalesce into a pleasant experience rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. It provides a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
The same praise cannot be applied for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna can feel a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself is convincing at flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The story strives to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering the dog is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more grounded and mature with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – though it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
