This is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such situations hinder ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in pet despair, consider recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable is a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions are modest. The plot proves to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – featuring a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – think flurries clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for cute animal clips. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna can feel a bit too dry, notably when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, the canine performer succeeds in looking despondent – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a very good boy.)
The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, given that the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation could have been more nuanced with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise has potential – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform this December.
