It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that co-parenting a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. Most will argue such situations prevent former couples from moving forward, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. Seemingly, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water seems debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable depends on the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is Merv himself, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe demanded of the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that the title character is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – but I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video this December.
