It is a widely held belief among many that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder individuals from healing, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. As it turns out, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the inner life of animals – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, consider another performance. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would struggle coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on this conflict holds water is a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the complexity remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will presumably realize the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries piled on lush pines as North Carolina stands in for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
If these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe inherent in the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer succeeds in acting depressed – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a very good boy.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that Merv is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.
