It is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements hinder ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to feel down.
Without minimizing the inner life of animals – pet parents attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to split households. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on this conflict is sustainable is debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by its screenwriters and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than its premise. It functions as a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth is limited. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries piled on lush pines as North Carolina doubles as the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these familiar elements coalesce into a pleasant experience hinges on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for pet content. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny demanded of the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. The character can feel a bit too dry, notably when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for the split could have been more grounded and mature with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
