This is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups hinder former couples from healing, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.
Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult coping with split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom on such a setup works effectively remains debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by director Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than a light film. It functions as a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity are modest. Its storyline proves to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – think fake snow clinging to green trees as North Carolina doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style vacillates between emotional depth, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a charming humility that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still an excellent dog.)
The story strives to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since the title character is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup might seem more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – even if it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video this December.
