It is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups prevent ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and become annoying for everyone involved. As it turns out, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water is debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a corporate studio – the complexity remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – exemplified by fake snow clinging to green trees as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these standard ingredients merge into something enjoyable rests upon the strength of the performances and one's taste for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Human Element
This level of success is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master any one mode. This is not Charlie Cox, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a bit too dry, notably when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.
