This is a widely held belief for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such setups impede individuals from healing, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom on such a setup holds water seems rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than a light film. This is a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the ambitions is limited. The narrative proves to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – played by a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in flurries clinging to green trees as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements merge into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is fully game the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character comes across as a touch too detached, particularly when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to add substance to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, considering the title character is by far the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The cause for the split might seem more grounded and mature with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform this December.
