It is a widely held belief in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups hinder former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the inner life of animals – pet parents attest to their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, consider another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on this conflict holds water remains debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, written by its screenwriters and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. The plot unfolds as straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries clinging to green trees as a summer location substitutes for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable depends on the execution and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for cute animal clips. It provides a plethora of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and while this leads to some stilted moments between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style vacillates between emotional depth, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, never fully committing to a single genre. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the dog resort scenario. He brings a likable self-deprecation that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, notably when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)
The film attempts to add substance to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – 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 cause for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.
