It is a widely held belief in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. Most will argue such setups hinder individuals from finding closure, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and become annoying for all parties. Apparently, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the mental health of animals – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to split households. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on this conflict holds water remains a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic has the quality of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and while this leads to some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a endearing lack of ego that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, considering the dog is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split would feel more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
