This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that jointly caring for a pet following a split is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements impede ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying across the board. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. If you need prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to split households. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water is debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by director Swale, never aspires to be deeper than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the depth remains surface-level. The narrative unfolds as simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as North Carolina doubles as the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie does offer dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a consistent feel. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer manages looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since the dog is easily the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for the split would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform this December.
