This is a widely held belief for numerous people that co-parenting a dog post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups prevent ex-partners 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 can even cause the canine in question to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict holds water remains a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by its screenwriters and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – think flurries surrounding green trees as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
If these standard ingredients merge into a pleasant experience rests upon the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who browse regularly for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style vacillates between serious study, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. The character can feel a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, the canine performer manages flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)
The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since the dog is by far the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – though it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.
