It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such arrangements prevent former couples from finding closure, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time coping with divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on such a setup is sustainable seems rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – think fake snow surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch depends on the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a series of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer dog beach fun, pet moping, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, failing to master any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a bit too dry, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is by far the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise has potential – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform on December 10th.