It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such arrangements hinder former couples from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of dogs – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need standout portrayal in pet despair, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film on such a setup is sustainable is rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. The plot proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – featuring familiar faces – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – think flurries surrounding green trees as North Carolina doubles as a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these standard ingredients merge into something enjoyable hinges on the execution and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style wavers between emotional depth, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character comes across as a bit too dry, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to provide depth to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that the dog is easily the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.
