This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede former couples from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. If you need standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to split households. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation works effectively seems a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity are modest. The narrative proves to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – featuring a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – think fake snow surrounding lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. It provides a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and while this leads to some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Human Element
This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna comes across as a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, since Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – but it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.
