This is a widely held belief among many that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such situations prevent former couples from finding closure, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. Seemingly, as a development suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in pet despair, one need only look recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adapting to split households. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on this conflict is sustainable remains rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than a light film. It functions as a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries clinging to lush pines as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who browse regularly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe inherent in the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. The character seems a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, the canine performer is convincing at acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a very good boy.)
The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup might seem more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform this December.
