It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that sharing custody a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such situations prevent former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. Seemingly, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – countless people speak of their remarkable empathy. If you need masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to split households. The idea of basing a full holiday film on such a setup holds water is a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, written by its screenwriters and directed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
If these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable rests upon the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a plethora of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and while this leads to some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward inherent in the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, considering the title character is by far the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
