This is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups impede ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and prove frustrating across the board. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.
While respecting the inner life of dogs – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in pet despair, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adapting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on this conflict is sustainable remains rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – played by a group of comedic actors – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as North Carolina doubles as a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
If these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience rests upon the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. The film delivers a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style wavers between emotional depth, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a bit too dry, particularly when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since Merv is by far the best part of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation would feel more nuanced with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
