This is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such situations hinder individuals from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to feel down.
While respecting the mental health of animals – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, consider recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water seems a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than its premise. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. The plot proves to be straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – including familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries piled on green trees as a warm climate stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these standard ingredients come together into a pleasant experience depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for dog videos. It provides a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe required by the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their original breakup might seem more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, hitting every expected note. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – but I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
