This is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a pet after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups prevent former couples from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and become annoying for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in pet despair, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on such a setup is sustainable is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by its screenwriters and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. This is a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – think obvious snow effects piled on green trees as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch depends on the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
This level of success does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, the canine performer succeeds in acting depressed – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The story strives to add substance to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, given that Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video this December.
