This is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog following a split is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements prevent former couples from healing, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and become annoying across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents speak of their deep emotional capacity. If you need prime example in pet despair, consider another performance. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water seems a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of director Swale, never aspires to be deeper than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline proves to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – serve as the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries piled on lush pines as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
How these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a series of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself manages looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)
The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering the dog is easily the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video this December.
