This is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups prevent former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. As it turns out, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to feel down.
While respecting the mental health of our pets – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a standout portrayal in pet despair, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water is a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – think fake snow piled on green trees as North Carolina stands in for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
If these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie does offer dog beach fun, pet moping, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog succeeds in acting depressed – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)
The film attempts to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since Merv is undoubtedly the cutest element of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video this December.
