This is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups hinder ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. Seemingly, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to feel down.
Without minimizing the inner life of animals – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle coping with divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup holds water is a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth is limited. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will surely realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look has the quality of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – think flurries surrounding lush pines as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
If these familiar elements merge into something enjoyable depends on the execution and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the canine star, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master a single genre. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The story strives to provide depth to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation would feel more nuanced with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.
