This is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations hinder former couples from finding closure, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.
While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adapting to split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict holds water seems debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, written by its screenwriters and directed by director Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity are modest. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to green trees as a summer location stands in for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
How these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for dog videos. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains an excellent dog.)
The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering the dog is easily the best part of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – though it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
