This is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent former couples from healing, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to become depressed.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable is debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than a light film. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. The plot proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually carries the feel of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – think fake snow surrounding verdant foliage as North Carolina substitutes for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these familiar elements merge into something enjoyable rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, notably when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer succeeds in looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, since Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split might seem more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.
