This is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such situations impede ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying across the board. As it turns out, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of our pets – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept a feature-length romcom on such a setup works effectively seems debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by its screenwriters and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline proves to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these standard ingredients merge into something enjoyable hinges on the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a bit too dry, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup might seem more adult and realistic with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting is not terrible – but it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video on December 10th.
