It is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and become annoying for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
While respecting the inner life of animals – many owners observe their deep emotional capacity. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time coping with split households. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable remains rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. Its storyline proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize 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. The film's look carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and one's taste for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. The film's approach vacillates between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is fully game the silliness and cringe inherent in the dog resort scenario. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to add substance to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for their original breakup might seem more grounded and mature with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video on December 10th.
