This is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion after a breakup is ill-advised. Most will argue such arrangements hinder individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people observe their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look another performance. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adapting to split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict is sustainable is a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of director Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – think obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
How these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who scroll endlessly for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
This level of success cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, not quite landing a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The film attempts to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering the dog is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for the split would feel more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.
