It is a widely held belief in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion after a breakup is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations hinder former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.
While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. If you need standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict holds water is debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions remains surface-level. The plot proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – serve as the usual assortment of types. The film's look has the quality of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable depends on the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages acting depressed – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is by far the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video this December.
