This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such arrangements hinder ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. As it turns out, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.
Without minimizing the inner life of our pets – pet parents attest to their remarkable empathy. If you need standout portrayal in canine melancholy, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adapting to split households. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable remains rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than its premise. This is a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. Its storyline proves to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – featuring familiar faces – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – think obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise cannot be applied for the romantic plot. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, not quite landing a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that the title character is by far the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
