It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet following a split is ill-advised. Most will argue such arrangements impede individuals from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. If you need prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable remains debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than its premise. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the complexity remains surface-level. The narrative is destined to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide 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. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – think flurries clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable depends on the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for pet content. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success is not earned for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between emotional depth, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and physical comedy, not quite landing any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. The character can feel a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, the canine performer succeeds in acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, given that the title character is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video on December 10th.
