This is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations impede individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to become depressed.
Without minimizing the mental health of our pets – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in canine melancholy, consider another performance. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than a light film. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and one's taste for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a series of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between emotional depth, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a consistent feel. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the unusual premise. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer manages looking despondent – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for the split might seem more adult and realistic with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.
