This is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such situations impede individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – many owners speak of their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in pet despair, one need only look another performance. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water remains debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look has the quality of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – exemplified by fake snow clinging to green trees as a summer location stands in for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
If these familiar elements coalesce into a pleasant experience hinges on the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who scroll endlessly for dog videos. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise cannot be applied for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing a single genre. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at flopping and whining – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, given that the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
