This is a widely held belief among many that jointly caring for a canine companion after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements prevent ex-partners from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating across the board. As it turns out, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to feel down.
While respecting the inner life of dogs – pet parents speak of their deep emotional capacity. If you need standout portrayal in canine melancholy, one need only look recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict is sustainable is a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. The narrative is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable depends on the execution and one's taste for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone shifts uneasily between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, failing to master a single genre. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, notably when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer manages looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is by far the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – even if it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Prime Video this December.
