It is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such situations impede former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to feel down.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water seems rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. The narrative is destined to be straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries clinging to green trees as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these predictable parts coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success is not earned for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a single genre. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a touch too detached, notably when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation might seem more nuanced with less exposition and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
