This is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a canine companion after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations hinder former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
While respecting the mental health of our pets – countless people observe their deep emotional capacity. If you need prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adapting to split households. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup works effectively is debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions is limited. The plot unfolds as straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – think flurries clinging to lush pines as a summer location substitutes for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
How these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise cannot be applied for the human side of the story. Its style shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. He brings a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, particularly when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since the dog is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict is not terrible – though I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.
