This is a widely held belief for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such situations hinder individuals from moving forward, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Without minimizing the mental health of dogs – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in pet despair, one need only look recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable seems debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic has the quality of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as a summer location substitutes for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the strength of the performances and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who browse regularly for pet content. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise cannot be applied for the romantic plot. Its style wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to a single genre. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a touch too detached, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for the split could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
