This is a widely held belief in certain circles that co-parenting a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups prevent former couples from healing, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – many owners speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in pet despair, consider another performance. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adapting to split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom on such a setup works effectively is a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. It functions as a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. The narrative proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
How these familiar elements come together into something enjoyable rests upon the execution and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
This level of success is not earned for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, failing to master a single genre. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a touch too detached, notably when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages acting depressed – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise has potential – but I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.
