This is a common warning in certain circles that sharing custody a pet following a split is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such setups prevent individuals from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the inner life of animals – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on this conflict works effectively remains debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. This is a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (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. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries clinging to lush pines as North Carolina stands in for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
How these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who scroll endlessly for pet content. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success is not earned for the romantic plot. Its style wavers between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, not quite landing a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character can feel a bit too dry, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
