This is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on this conflict is sustainable remains rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. The narrative is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries piled on verdant foliage as North Carolina doubles as a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and one's taste for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – those people who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, failing to master a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, particularly when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a very good boy.)
The story strives to provide depth to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that the title character is easily the best part of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
