This is a widely held belief for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in pet despair, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to split households. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup holds water is debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – think fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
How these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who browse regularly for pet content. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie does offer dog beach fun, pet moping, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward inherent in the dog resort scenario. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to add substance to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, considering Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – though I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform this December.
