This is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such arrangements hinder former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.
Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom on such a setup works effectively seems a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, never aspires to be deeper than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably realize the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – including familiar faces – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, failing to master a single genre. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more nuanced with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
