It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that sharing custody a dog post-separation is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements hinder former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – many owners speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in pet despair, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation works effectively seems rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity are modest. Its storyline proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (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. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – as seen in fake snow surrounding lush pines as a warm climate stands in for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
If these standard ingredients merge into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for dog videos. It provides a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the canine star, and while this leads to some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, 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 likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for the split would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
