This is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a dog following a split is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such arrangements prevent ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.
While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adapting to split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict holds water remains debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the ambitions are modest. The narrative proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by fake snow surrounding lush pines as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience hinges on the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who seek out for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages looking despondent – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a very good boy.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is by far the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for the split would feel more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.
