This is a widely held belief for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede former couples from finding closure, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to become depressed.
While respecting the mental health of dogs – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in canine melancholy, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable remains a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. The narrative proves to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic has the quality of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to green trees as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
If these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. It provides a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny demanded of the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal 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 little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, the canine performer manages flopping and whining – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation might seem more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – though it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
