This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that sharing custody a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements prevent ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the inner life of dogs – many owners observe their deep emotional capacity. To witness a standout portrayal in pet despair, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable is rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. Its storyline proves to be straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – played by familiar faces – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as a warm climate stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
How these familiar elements merge into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the humiliating and funny inherent in the unusual premise. His performance contains a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog manages acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)
The story strives to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since Merv is easily the best part of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
