This is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements hinder ex-partners from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time coping with split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. It functions as a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. The plot proves to be simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic has the quality of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries clinging to lush pines as North Carolina stands in for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is Merv himself, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The tone vacillates between serious study, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, notably when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself manages acting depressed – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still an excellent dog.)
The story strives to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for the split could have been more grounded and mature with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – though I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video this December.
