This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion after a breakup is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements prevent individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating across the board. As it turns out, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to become depressed.
While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup works effectively is a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than its premise. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – featuring a group of comedic actors – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – think flurries clinging to lush pines as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
If these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. Audiences receive a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The story strives to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, given that the dog is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for the split would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict is not terrible – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
