This is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations hinder individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to feel down.
While respecting the mental health of dogs – countless people attest to their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in pet despair, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with life in two homes. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation works effectively is debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions are modest. The narrative proves to be simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. Audiences receive a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie does offer canine party antics, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise cannot be applied for the romantic plot. Its style vacillates between emotional depth, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the unusual premise. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to add substance to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
