This is a common warning among many that sharing custody a pet after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such arrangements prevent individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – countless people speak of their deep emotional capacity. For a prime example in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup is sustainable is rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than its premise. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – played by familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
If these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for pet content. It provides a plethora of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a consistent feel. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the unusual premise. He brings a endearing lack of ego that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The story strives to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering the dog is by far the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – but it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
