This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements impede individuals from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and become annoying for everyone involved. Seemingly, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Without minimizing the inner life of our pets – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time coping with divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on this conflict holds water is a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, written by its screenwriters and helmed by director Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will presumably realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – serve as the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – as seen in flurries clinging to green trees as a warm climate stands in for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
How these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience hinges on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who browse regularly for pet content. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and while this leads to some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, pet moping, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between relationship drama, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and physical comedy, not quite landing a single genre. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna can feel a bit too dry, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since the dog is by far the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – though it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.
