This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups impede individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating across the board. As it turns out, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in pet despair, consider another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adapting to split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict is sustainable seems debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, written by its screenwriters and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the complexity remains surface-level. Its storyline proves to be straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these standard ingredients merge into something enjoyable rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who browse regularly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, pet moping, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success does not extend for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, failing to master any one mode. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a very good boy.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The cause for the split might seem more grounded and mature with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
