It is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups prevent ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Without minimizing the mental health of dogs – pet parents observe their deep emotional capacity. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to split households. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on such a setup holds water remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. Its storyline unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries piled on lush pines as a summer location doubles as a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience depends on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – those people who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, given that the dog is undoubtedly the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – though I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
