It is a widely held belief among many that jointly caring for a pet following a split is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict works effectively remains rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions remains surface-level. The narrative proves to be straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – as seen in fake snow surrounding lush pines as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
How these standard ingredients come together into a pleasant experience rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, failing to master a single genre. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself is convincing at flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, given that the title character is easily the best part of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their separation could have been more nuanced with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
