This is a widely held belief for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations impede ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and become annoying for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to feel down.
While respecting the inner life of our pets – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in canine melancholy, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup is sustainable seems debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the ambitions is limited. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as a summer location doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
How these standard ingredients coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between emotional depth, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, not quite landing any one mode. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that provides much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal comes across as a touch too detached, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)
The film attempts to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup might seem more grounded and mature with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video this December.
