This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such arrangements hinder former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. Seemingly, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the mental health of animals – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in pet despair, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by Gus the Dog, would struggle coping with split households. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict holds water is debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth remains surface-level. The plot proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – think fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for pet content. The film delivers a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward inherent in the dog resort scenario. He brings a likable self-deprecation that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna can feel a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at flopping and whining – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains an excellent dog.)
The story strives to provide depth to the central romance for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since the title character is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for the split would feel more nuanced with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform this December.
