It is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations impede individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating across the board. As it turns out, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.
While respecting the mental health of dogs – many owners observe their deep emotional capacity. If you need prime example in canine melancholy, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water remains debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, never aspires to be deeper than a light film. It functions as a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the depth remains surface-level. The narrative is destined to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – including familiar faces – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries clinging to green trees as a summer location substitutes for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these standard ingredients merge into a pleasant experience rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for dog videos. It provides a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise is not earned for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master a single genre. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. He brings a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a bit too dry, particularly when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)
The story strives to add substance to the central romance for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since Merv is easily the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for the split would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
