This is a common warning in certain circles that sharing custody a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups prevent individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
Without minimizing the mental health of animals – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in pet despair, simply recall recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adapting to split households. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup works effectively seems rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than a light film. This is a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow surrounding green trees as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these predictable parts coalesce into a pleasant experience rests upon the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. The film delivers a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The tone wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to a single genre. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a little too aloof, notably when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog succeeds in looking despondent – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)
The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering the dog is by far the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video this December.
