This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements hinder individuals from healing, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.
While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents attest to their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in pet despair, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to split households. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup is sustainable is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. The narrative proves to be simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries clinging to green trees as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience depends on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – those people who scroll endlessly for pet content. The film delivers a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and while this leads to some awkward editing between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success does not extend for the human side of the story. The film's approach shifts uneasily between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that provides much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, notably when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer succeeds in looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their separation would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.
