It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to feel down.
While respecting the mental health of our pets – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adapting to split households. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation works effectively is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. It functions as a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity are modest. Its storyline unfolds as straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – featuring a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – think fake snow surrounding verdant foliage as North Carolina stands in for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The film's approach vacillates between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a single genre. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is undoubtedly the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for the split would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
