This is a common warning among many that sharing custody a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent individuals from finding closure, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.
While respecting the mental health of our pets – many owners observe their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in pet despair, one need only look another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would struggle coping with divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on this conflict works effectively is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by its screenwriters and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. It functions as a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. The plot proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow clinging to green trees as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
How these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some stilted moments between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character seems a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that Merv is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their separation would feel more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – but it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
