This is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a pet after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. Apparently, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – many owners speak of their deep emotional capacity. For a masterclass in pet despair, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable remains rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. It functions as a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – think flurries piled on green trees as a warm climate doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie does offer canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward inherent in the dog resort scenario. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character seems a little too aloof, notably when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their separation might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
