This is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations hinder ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and become annoying for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.
Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by the canine actor Gus, would struggle coping with split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict works effectively seems rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow clinging to lush pines as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable rests upon the execution and one's taste for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – those people who seek out for cute animal clips. The film delivers a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between emotional depth, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. The character can feel a touch too detached, notably when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that the title character is by far the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for the split could have been more grounded and mature with more screen time and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise has potential – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.
