It is a widely held belief for numerous people that sharing custody a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements impede individuals from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. As it turns out, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Not to downplay the mental health of animals – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, one need only look another performance. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation works effectively is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
How these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success is not earned for the romantic plot. Its style vacillates between serious study, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer manages flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
The film attempts to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their original breakup could have been more nuanced with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – even if it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.
