This is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations hinder individuals from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents observe their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on this conflict is sustainable seems debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. It functions as a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. The narrative unfolds as simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – think flurries piled on verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
How these predictable parts coalesce into something enjoyable rests upon the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and while this leads to some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, pet moping, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since Merv is by far the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform this December.
