It is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder individuals from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and prove frustrating across the board. Seemingly, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.
While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adapting to split households. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup works effectively seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and directed by director Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. It functions as a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries clinging to green trees as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
If these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and one's taste for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and while this leads to some awkward editing between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise is not earned for the romantic plot. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward inherent in the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)
The film attempts to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, given that the title character is by far the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.
