This is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements prevent ex-partners from healing, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and become annoying across the board. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of our pets – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a standout portrayal in pet despair, consider recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time coping with divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable is a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by director Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries clinging to green trees as North Carolina doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for pet content. The film delivers a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the silliness and cringe inherent in the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. The character seems a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself is convincing at flopping and whining – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
