This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such situations prevent former couples from finding closure, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and become annoying across the board. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the mental health of animals – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on this conflict is sustainable seems debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity are modest. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – think obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
If these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience rests upon the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. It provides a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some awkward editing between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal can feel a bit too dry, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at acting depressed – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering Merv is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – though it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video on December 10th.
