It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such setups impede ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to become depressed.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. For a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water remains rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to green trees as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who browse regularly for cute animal clips. It provides a plethora of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a charming humility that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. The character seems a bit too dry, especially when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer manages acting depressed – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to add substance to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their separation might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.
