This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede individuals from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the inner life of animals – pet parents speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in pet despair, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation holds water is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than what it is. It functions as a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. Its storyline unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow piled on green trees as North Carolina stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
If these predictable parts coalesce into a pleasant experience rests upon the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who scroll endlessly for pet content. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the dog, and while this leads to some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie does offer canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
The same praise cannot be applied for the romantic plot. Its style wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains an excellent dog.)
The story strives to provide depth to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – though I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
