It is a widely held belief among many that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups impede individuals from moving forward, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. As it turns out, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents observe their deep emotional capacity. For a standout portrayal in pet despair, consider another performance. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adapting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on such a setup works effectively remains debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, never aspires to be more profound than a light film. This is a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. The plot proves to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries piled on green trees as a warm climate doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
How these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, pet moping, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still an excellent dog.)
The story strives to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.
