This is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations impede ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying for everyone involved. As it turns out, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the inner life of animals – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable is a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries clinging to lush pines as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable depends on the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and human reaction, the movie does offer canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a bit too dry, particularly when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself is convincing at looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering the title character is by far the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform this December.
