This is a widely held belief in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups hinder former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.
While respecting the mental health of animals – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would struggle coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on such a setup works effectively remains rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than its premise. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions are modest. The narrative unfolds as straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements merge into something enjoyable rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who scroll endlessly for pet content. The film delivers a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward required by the unusual premise. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity 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, the canine performer succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since the title character is by far the best part of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation might seem more nuanced with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
