It is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion after a breakup is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations hinder former couples from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to experience sadness.
While respecting the mental health of animals – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. If you need masterclass in dog sorrow, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict works effectively is debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by its screenwriters and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including familiar faces – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – think obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as North Carolina substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the strength of the performances and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the human side of the story. Its style shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a single genre. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since the dog is undoubtedly the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with less exposition and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
