This is a widely held belief among many that sharing custody a dog after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such arrangements hinder former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a standout portrayal in pet despair, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation works effectively seems a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions remains surface-level. The plot is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – played by a group of comedic actors – serve as the usual assortment of types. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – think obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
If these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. Audiences receive a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing a single genre. This is not Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, particularly when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The cause for the split might seem more grounded and mature with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – but it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
