This is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations hinder individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to feel down.
While respecting the mental health of animals – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time coping with divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on this conflict holds water remains rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, never aspires to be deeper than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity are modest. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow clinging to lush pines as a summer location stands in for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients merge into something enjoyable rests upon the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, notably when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself is convincing at looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that the dog is by far the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for the split might seem more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – even if it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video this December.
