It is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such situations impede ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to feel down.
Without minimizing the inner life of dogs – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in pet despair, consider recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would struggle coping with life in two homes. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable remains a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than its premise. It functions as a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – including a group of comedic actors – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients merge into a pleasant experience hinges on the execution and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who scroll endlessly for pet content. It provides a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie does offer canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and physical comedy, not quite landing a single genre. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe inherent in the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a bit too dry, especially when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a very good boy.)
The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, since the dog is undoubtedly the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
