It is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such situations prevent individuals from moving forward, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents observe their deep emotional capacity. For a prime example in pet despair, one need only look recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on such a setup holds water is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, written by its screenwriters and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. This is a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. The narrative proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience rests upon the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and while this leads to some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a single genre. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward demanded of the unusual premise. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (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 remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to add substance to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, considering the title character is by far the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.
