This is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix played by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adapting to split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom on such a setup is sustainable remains a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. Its storyline proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – serve as the usual assortment of types. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow clinging to green trees as North Carolina doubles as a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
How these standard ingredients come together into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and while this leads to some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a touch too detached, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)
The film attempts to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since Merv is undoubtedly the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Creating a movie with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.
