It is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups impede former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to become depressed.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time coping with split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water remains debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and helmed by director Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity are modest. The plot proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow clinging to green trees as a warm climate stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
How these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch depends on the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who browse regularly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a plethora of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and while this leads to some awkward editing between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise is not earned for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward inherent in the unusual premise. He brings a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, the canine performer succeeds in looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is easily the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The cause for the split might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video on December 10th.
