It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to become depressed.
While respecting the mental health of dogs – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in canine melancholy, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept a feature-length romcom on such a setup is sustainable seems debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. It functions as a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. Its storyline proves to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as North Carolina doubles as a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
If these standard ingredients come together into a pleasant experience rests upon the strength of the performances and one's taste for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the canine star, and while this leads to some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe inherent in the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. The character comes across as a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
