It is a widely held belief among many that jointly caring for a pet following a split is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such situations impede individuals from moving forward, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in dog sorrow, consider a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog portrayed by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup is sustainable is a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and directed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than its premise. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries piled on verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
If these standard ingredients coalesce into a pleasant experience rests upon the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny demanded of the dog resort scenario. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, notably when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself manages looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
The film attempts to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.
