It is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups prevent ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to split households. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on this conflict works effectively is a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than its premise. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions are modest. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – think obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The tone wavers between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. The character seems a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup might seem more grounded and mature with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
