This is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such setups hinder ex-partners from healing, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. Seemingly, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners speak of their deep emotional capacity. If you need standout portrayal in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time coping with divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on this conflict holds water seems a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. The narrative unfolds as simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think fake snow surrounding green trees as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and one's taste for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a plethora of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and while this leads to some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a bit too dry, especially when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages acting depressed – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for the split could have been more grounded and mature with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.
