This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is ill-advised. Most will argue such setups impede ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.
Without minimizing the inner life of our pets – pet parents attest to their deep emotional capacity. If you need masterclass in pet despair, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog portrayed by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water is debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by its screenwriters and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than a light film. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. The narrative proves to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – as seen in fake snow clinging to green trees as North Carolina doubles as a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts coalesce into something enjoyable depends on the execution and one's taste for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The film's approach vacillates between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. The character can feel a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Merv himself manages acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to give weight to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, since the dog is by far the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their separation could have been more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
