It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that jointly caring for a pet following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups impede individuals from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
While respecting the mental health of our pets – many owners attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, consider another performance. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to split households. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable remains a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than its premise. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity are modest. The narrative is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – played by familiar faces – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects piled on green trees as a warm climate stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience hinges on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. Audiences receive a plethora 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 walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a single genre. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself is convincing at acting depressed – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, since the dog is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup might seem more grounded and mature with less exposition and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting is not terrible – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
