This is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such setups prevent former couples from healing, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and become annoying for everyone involved. Seemingly, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to become depressed.
While respecting the mental health of animals – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, consider a past film. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adapting to split households. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on this conflict holds water is a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, written by its screenwriters and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – played by a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in fake snow piled on verdant foliage as North Carolina substitutes for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
If these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the canine star, and while this leads to some stilted moments between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie does offer dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, not quite landing a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog is convincing at acting depressed – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that the title character is by far the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their original breakup might seem more grounded and mature with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.
