This is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations impede ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to feel down.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of our pets – countless people speak of their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on this conflict works effectively remains debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. It functions as a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. Its storyline proves to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries surrounding green trees as a warm climate stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these standard ingredients coalesce into something enjoyable rests upon the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for pet content. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the dog, and while this leads to some stilted moments between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself is convincing at acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
