It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a dog after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede individuals from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.
Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – pet parents attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult coping with split households. If this concept a full holiday film on such a setup is sustainable remains a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than its premise. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions are modest. The plot proves to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
If these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the canine star, and while this leads to some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success is not earned for the romantic plot. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, broad humor, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Merv himself is convincing at acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that Merv is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup might seem more grounded and mature with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
