This is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.
While respecting the mental health of animals – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in pet despair, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix played by Gus the Dog, would struggle coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable remains a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. This is a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions are modest. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will surely realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries surrounding lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
If these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a plethora of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie does offer walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, not quite landing any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna comes across as a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Merv himself manages acting depressed – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)
The film attempts to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since Merv is undoubtedly the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – though I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.
