It is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such arrangements prevent ex-partners from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and become annoying across the board. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to feel down.
While respecting the inner life of our pets – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom on such a setup is sustainable is rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity are modest. The narrative unfolds as straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in fake snow surrounding lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
If these standard ingredients merge into something enjoyable rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise is not earned for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages flopping and whining – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since the title character is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – though it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
