It is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – many owners speak of their deep emotional capacity. For a masterclass in pet despair, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on such a setup holds water remains a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – played by a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries clinging to green trees as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these predictable parts merge into something enjoyable rests upon the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who browse regularly for cute animal clips. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, not quite landing a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since the dog is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting is not terrible – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
