It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to become depressed.
While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable seems debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and helmed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than a light film. We have here a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity are modest. The narrative unfolds as simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look has the quality of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – think fake snow surrounding lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these standard ingredients coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the actors' work and one's taste for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and while this leads to some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, pet moping, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, not quite landing a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, notably when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)
The film attempts to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
