It is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements prevent former couples from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.
Without minimizing the mental health of our pets – pet parents observe their deep emotional capacity. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation works effectively is rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to green trees as a summer location substitutes for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
If these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who browse regularly for cute animal clips. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
This level of success is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. He brings a endearing lack of ego that provides much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Gus the Dog succeeds in acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The story strives to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since the dog is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – though I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video this December.
