This is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations impede ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. As it turns out, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to feel down.
While respecting the mental health of dogs – pet parents observe their deep emotional capacity. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, one need only look another performance. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict works effectively seems debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. It functions as a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – think obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as a warm climate stands in for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements come together into something enjoyable hinges on the execution and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that provides much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at acting depressed – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split might seem more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video this December.
