It is a widely held belief for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations impede ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.
Not to downplay the mental health of animals – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a prime example in canine melancholy, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation works effectively seems debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. This is a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. The narrative is destined to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. 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 quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in fake snow piled on lush pines as North Carolina stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
How these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the canine star, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
This level of success is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, notably when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a very good boy.)
The film attempts to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since Merv is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
