This is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations prevent former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. Seemingly, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to feel down.
Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation holds water is a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. The narrative proves to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
If these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch rests upon the strength of the performances and one's taste for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. The film delivers a series of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the canine star, and while this leads to some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style vacillates between emotional depth, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal comes across as a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages looking despondent – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is by far the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for the split could have been more grounded and mature with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting is not terrible – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video this December.
