It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that sharing custody a dog following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such situations impede former couples from moving forward, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to feel down.
Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation works effectively is debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, written by its screenwriters and helmed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than its premise. We have here a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – think fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location substitutes for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
If these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and while this leads to some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing a single genre. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny inherent in the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself is convincing at flopping and whining – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since the dog is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.
