It is a widely held belief in certain circles that sharing custody a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such arrangements hinder individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the mental health of animals – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, one need only look recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adapting to split households. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on this conflict is sustainable remains rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of director Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. This is a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions are modest. The plot is destined to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – think flurries clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
If these standard ingredients merge into a pleasant experience depends on the actors' work and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who browse regularly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and while this leads to some awkward editing between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, given that the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The reason for their original breakup might seem more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.
