This is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet following a split is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements hinder ex-partners from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and become annoying across the board. As it turns out, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to become depressed.
While respecting the inner life of dogs – countless people attest to their remarkable empathy. If you need masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup works effectively remains a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. Its storyline unfolds as straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie does offer dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise is not earned for the romantic plot. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a bit too dry, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself is convincing at acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – but it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
