It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder ex-partners from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in pet despair, simply recall another performance. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with split households. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict holds water is a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. This is a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity remains surface-level. The narrative unfolds as simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in fake snow clinging to green trees as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements merge into something enjoyable depends on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, failing to master a single genre. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. The character can feel a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still an excellent dog.)
The story strives to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation might seem more nuanced with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – though it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
