This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede former couples from finding closure, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. To witness a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film on such a setup holds water remains debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than its premise. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. The plot proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – think obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a plethora 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 canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog succeeds in acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The story strives to add substance to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their original breakup might seem more grounded and mature with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
