This is a widely held belief for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede former couples from moving forward, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to become depressed.
Without minimizing the mental health of dogs – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water is a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and under the guidance of director Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than a light film. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – think flurries clinging to lush pines as North Carolina stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
How these predictable parts coalesce into something enjoyable rests upon the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who scroll endlessly for pet content. The film delivers a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is fully game the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a little too aloof, notably when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to add substance to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, given that the dog is by far the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their original breakup might seem more grounded and mature with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video on December 10th.
