This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. Most will argue such setups hinder former couples from healing, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of our pets – countless people observe their deep emotional capacity. To witness a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, consider another performance. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on such a setup holds water is debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow clinging to lush pines as North Carolina doubles as the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
If these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and even if it causes some stilted moments between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise is not earned for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a charming humility that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, given that the title character is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for the split could have been more grounded and mature with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.
