It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such situations prevent ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. Seemingly, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the mental health of dogs – 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 such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adapting to split households. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on such a setup is sustainable remains rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. This is a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity remains surface-level. Its storyline proves to be simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries clinging to lush pines as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and one's taste for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who scroll endlessly for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie does offer canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success is not earned for the human side of the story. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. He brings a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, the canine performer manages looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – even if it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
