It is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a pet after a breakup is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for all parties. As it turns out, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.
While respecting the inner life of our pets – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in pet despair, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom on such a setup is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – think obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as a summer location doubles as a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these standard ingredients coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for pet content. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master 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. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself is convincing at looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, considering the dog is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for the split could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.
