This is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion after a breakup is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such setups impede former couples from finding closure, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and become annoying for all parties. Seemingly, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners speak of their deep emotional capacity. For a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to split households. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on this conflict holds water is a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. Its storyline proves to be straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries piled on verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who scroll endlessly for pet content. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to give weight to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, given that the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for the split might seem more grounded and mature with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – though it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Prime Video this December.
