It is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such arrangements prevent ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and become annoying across the board. As it turns out, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the mental health of animals – countless people speak of their remarkable empathy. For a standout portrayal in pet despair, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with split households. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup is sustainable is rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. It functions as a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions are modest. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look has the quality of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think flurries piled on green trees as North Carolina doubles as a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
How these standard ingredients merge into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, failing to master a single genre. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. The character can feel a bit too dry, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog manages acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering Merv is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for the split could have been more grounded and mature with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
