This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such setups hinder individuals from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. Seemingly, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, consider another performance. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time coping with divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable seems debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than its premise. It functions as a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – think obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as a warm climate stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal comes across as a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself is convincing at acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for the split would feel more nuanced with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – even if it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
