This is a common warning among many that co-parenting a dog following a split is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements prevent individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying across the board. As it turns out, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, one need only look a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult coping with split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom on such a setup holds water seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in fake snow piled on lush pines as a warm climate doubles as a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts merge into something enjoyable rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who scroll endlessly for dog videos. The film delivers a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and while this leads to some awkward editing between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that provides much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, notably when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog succeeds in acting depressed – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is undoubtedly the cutest element of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for the split would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.
