It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. As it turns out, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the inner life of animals – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, one need only look another performance. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adapting to split households. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom around this situation works effectively remains a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – think obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as a summer location doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie does offer canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. He brings a charming humility that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. The character can feel a bit too dry, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at acting depressed – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, since the dog is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.
