It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations impede individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to experience sadness.
While respecting the inner life of animals – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on this conflict works effectively seems debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. This is a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the depth remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – including familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as a summer location substitutes for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
If these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience depends on the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie does offer dog beach fun, pet moping, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is fully game the silliness and cringe required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is undoubtedly the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform this December.
