This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that sharing custody a canine companion after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations impede ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating across the board. As it turns out, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to become depressed.
Without minimizing the mental health of animals – countless people observe their deep emotional capacity. If you need masterclass in dog sorrow, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup works effectively seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – featuring a group of comedic actors – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – think flurries surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts coalesce into something enjoyable rests upon the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for dog videos. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the canine star, and while this leads to some awkward editing between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal comes across as a bit too dry, notably when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer manages acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, since the dog is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video this December.
