This is a widely held belief in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements prevent ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents attest to their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to split households. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation works effectively seems a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity are modest. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – including familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to green trees as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
How these standard ingredients merge into something enjoyable rests upon the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. He brings a endearing lack of ego that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character comes across as a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is by far the cutest element of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The reason for their original breakup could have been more grounded and mature with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
