It is a widely held belief in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements prevent individuals from finding closure, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to become depressed.
Not to downplay the mental health of animals – pet parents attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on this conflict holds water seems rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than its premise. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity remains surface-level. Its storyline unfolds as simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
If these predictable parts coalesce into a pleasant experience rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for pet content. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness does not extend for the human side of the story. The tone vacillates between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, not quite landing any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward inherent in the unusual premise. He brings a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna can feel a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still an excellent dog.)
The story strives to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, since Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video this December.
