This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations impede individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to feel down.
While respecting the mental health of dogs – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, one need only look recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to split households. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on this conflict is sustainable is a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, written by its screenwriters and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. Its storyline proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries clinging to green trees as a summer location doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
How these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who seek out for dog videos. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise is not earned for the human side of the story. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, notably when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a very good boy.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for the split could have been more nuanced with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video this December.
