It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for all parties. As it turns out, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Without minimizing the mental health of our pets – many owners observe their deep emotional capacity. If you need masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film on this conflict holds water seems debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. This is a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. The narrative unfolds as simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – including familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as a summer location substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Human Element
This level of success is not earned for the human side of the story. The tone wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation would feel more nuanced with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform this December.
