It is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such situations impede former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to feel down.
While respecting the inner life of animals – many owners attest to their remarkable empathy. For a masterclass in pet despair, simply recall recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adapting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation holds water seems debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. The plot proves to be simple and direct: 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 cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – think flurries piled on verdant foliage as a summer location substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these standard ingredients merge into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who browse regularly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
This level of success is not earned for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character can feel a bit too dry, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
The film attempts to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is by far the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more nuanced with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video on December 10th.
