This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog following a split is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede individuals from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. As it turns out, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – pet parents attest to their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in pet despair, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on this conflict is sustainable seems rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than a light film. It functions as a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. The narrative proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience depends on the strength of the performances and one's taste for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who scroll endlessly for pet content. The film delivers a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between emotional depth, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. He brings a charming humility that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her Anna comes across as a bit too dry, especially when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)
The story strives to provide depth to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, given that the title character is by far the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict is not terrible – though it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.
