It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder ex-partners from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.
Without minimizing the mental health of animals – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adapting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water seems rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. The narrative proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – played by a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as a summer location substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
How these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some stilted moments between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing any one mode. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages acting depressed – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The cause for the split could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.
