This is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a dog after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such setups prevent ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to become depressed.
While respecting the mental health of dogs – countless people attest to their remarkable empathy. If you need masterclass in pet despair, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. This is a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think fake snow surrounding green trees as North Carolina substitutes for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
How these predictable parts coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the execution and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie does offer dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. Its style wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward inherent in the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character comes across as a bit too dry, especially when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
