This is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is a terrible idea. Most will argue such setups prevent ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the mental health of animals – many owners speak of their remarkable empathy. For a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, simply recall another performance. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable remains a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, written by its screenwriters and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. We have here a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth remains surface-level. The narrative proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these standard ingredients merge into a pleasant experience hinges on the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success is not earned for the romantic plot. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a single genre. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that provides much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. The character can feel a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)
The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering the title character is easily the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
