It is a widely held belief among many that jointly caring for a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.
While respecting the mental health of animals – many owners speak of their deep emotional capacity. For a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on such a setup works effectively remains debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than its premise. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by familiar faces – serve as the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – as seen in flurries piled on lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these standard ingredients coalesce into something enjoyable depends on the execution and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise is not earned for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, notably when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself manages acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is by far the best part of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for the split would feel more grounded and mature with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – but it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Prime Video this December.
