It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that co-parenting a dog following a split is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such setups hinder individuals from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to feel down.
While respecting the inner life of our pets – countless people attest to their remarkable empathy. For a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time coping with split households. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. This is a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the depth remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as a summer location substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
If these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and one's taste for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and while this leads to some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise is not earned for the romantic plot. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, failing to master a single genre. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, notably when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Merv himself is convincing at looking despondent – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering the dog is easily the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their separation would feel more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
