This is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements hinder former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying for all parties. Seemingly, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to become depressed.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of animals – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would struggle coping with divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable seems rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
How these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a series of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the canine star, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
This level of success is not earned for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering the dog is undoubtedly the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split might seem more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – though it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
