It is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups prevent individuals from finding closure, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to feel down.
Without minimizing the mental health of animals – pet parents attest to their deep emotional capacity. If you need prime example in pet despair, one need only look recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to split households. The idea of basing a full holiday film on this conflict holds water seems rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. Its storyline unfolds as straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. The film's look has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as a warm climate stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and while this leads to some stilted moments between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. The character comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at acting depressed – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to add substance to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.
