It is a widely held belief for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog following a split is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.
While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – countless people observe their deep emotional capacity. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on this conflict holds water is a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, written by its screenwriters and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. The narrative proves to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think flurries surrounding verdant foliage as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for pet content. It provides a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, pet moping, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to add substance to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, given that Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split might seem more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise has potential – though it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform this December.
