It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such setups hinder individuals from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – many owners attest to their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in pet despair, simply recall recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film on this conflict holds water remains a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and under the guidance of director 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 are modest. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries clinging to lush pines as a warm climate stands in for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
How these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience depends on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who seek out for cute animal clips. The film delivers a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise cannot be applied for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between emotional depth, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that provides much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages looking despondent – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, since Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their separation would feel more nuanced with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
