It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede former couples from finding closure, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, 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.
Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – pet parents attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup works effectively is a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries clinging to lush pines as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
How these standard ingredients come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the execution and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the canine star, and while this leads to some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness does not extend for the human side of the story. The film's approach vacillates between emotional depth, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, 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 dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that provides much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The story strives to give weight to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup might seem more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.
