This is a widely held belief for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet following a split is a terrible idea. Most will argue such setups hinder former couples from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and become annoying for everyone involved. As it turns out, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of our pets – countless people speak of their remarkable empathy. If you need standout portrayal in pet despair, one need only look recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adapting to life in two homes. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict works effectively remains rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. It functions as a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth remains surface-level. The narrative is destined to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries clinging to lush pines as North Carolina doubles as the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
How these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the humiliating and funny inherent in the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, notably when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for their original breakup could have been more grounded and mature with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
