It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such situations hinder ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.
Without minimizing the inner life of animals – many owners attest to their deep emotional capacity. If you need prime example in pet despair, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by director Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than its premise. We have here a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. The plot proves to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries clinging to green trees as North Carolina doubles as a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and human reaction, the movie does offer dog beach fun, pet moping, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward inherent in the bizarre setting. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a very good boy.)
The story strives to provide depth to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, since the dog is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform this December.
