It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that jointly caring for a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements hinder ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.
Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – many owners attest to their remarkable empathy. If you need standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to split households. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on such a setup works effectively seems rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will surely realize the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries clinging to lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
If these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for cute animal clips. It provides a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a very good boy.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, since Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.
