This is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such arrangements prevent individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable seems debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by familiar faces – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
How these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience depends on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
The same praise is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master a single genre. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward inherent in the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself is convincing at flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, given that the dog is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for the split would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
