This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such situations impede ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adapting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict works effectively seems debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of director Swale, never aspires to be more profound than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity are modest. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. The film's look has the quality of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries piled on lush pines as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
If these standard ingredients coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and one's taste for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and while this leads to some awkward editing between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style shifts uneasily between serious study, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a single genre. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the unusual premise. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. The character can feel a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, given that the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for the split could have been more grounded and mature with more screen time and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
