It is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups impede ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
While respecting the mental health of dogs – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. For a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on this conflict holds water remains debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, never aspires to be deeper than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – think obvious snow effects piled on green trees as a summer location substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience depends on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach shifts uneasily between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. The character seems a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to provide depth to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for the split could have been more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – though I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
