It is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups impede former couples from finding closure, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – many owners observe their deep emotional capacity. If you need standout portrayal in dog sorrow, consider another performance. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation works effectively seems a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. The plot is destined to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow piled on verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
If these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for cute animal clips. It provides a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The tone shifts uneasily between emotional depth, broad humor, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Merv himself manages acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)
The story strives to provide depth to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, since Merv is easily the best part of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The reason for the split might seem more nuanced with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video on December 10th.
