This is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups hinder ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time coping with split households. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on this conflict holds water remains rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than its premise. It functions as a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the complexity remains surface-level. The narrative proves to be straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – featuring familiar faces – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – think flurries piled on green trees as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is Merv himself, and while this leads to some stilted moments between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a touch too detached, notably when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still an excellent dog.)
The story strives to add substance to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, given that the title character is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video this December.
