It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such situations impede former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying across the board. Seemingly, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
While respecting the mental health of our pets – many owners attest to their deep emotional capacity. If you need masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable remains debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. It functions as a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow surrounding lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts merge into something enjoyable depends on the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between emotional depth, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that provides much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. The character comes across as a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)
The story strives to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is easily the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.
