This is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups prevent individuals from finding closure, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the inner life of animals – countless people speak of their deep emotional capacity. If you need standout portrayal in canine melancholy, one need only look another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup holds water is debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. It functions as a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. The narrative is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – think obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience rests upon the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the canine star, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success is not earned for the human side of the story. The tone vacillates between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting all its marks. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video this December.
