It is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations prevent former couples from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and prove frustrating across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – many owners observe their deep emotional capacity. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup holds water remains a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than a light film. It functions as a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. Its storyline proves to be simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in fake snow clinging to green trees as a summer location doubles as a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these familiar elements coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
This level of success is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing any one mode. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, notably when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself is convincing at acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, considering Merv is by far the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
