This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that co-parenting a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the inner life of animals – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. If you need standout portrayal in canine melancholy, one need only look recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adapting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom around this situation works effectively is a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow surrounding lush pines as North Carolina stands in for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point 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 walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal comes across as a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer is convincing at acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that the dog is undoubtedly the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
