It is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups hinder individuals from finding closure, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation works effectively remains a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will surely rediscover the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by fake snow clinging to lush pines as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
How these predictable parts merge into something enjoyable depends on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for pet content. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the dog, and while this leads to some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie does offer dog beach fun, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a single genre. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer succeeds in acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)
The story strives to add substance to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, considering Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition 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 I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
