It is a common warning among many that sharing custody a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements hinder ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
While respecting the mental health of dogs – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in pet despair, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to split households. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on this conflict is sustainable is debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and helmed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – featuring a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as a warm climate stands in for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
If these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a series of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point 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, pet moping, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, 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. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a bit too dry, notably when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering Merv is easily the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for the split could have been more nuanced with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.
