This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations impede ex-partners from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – pet parents speak of their deep emotional capacity. If you need standout portrayal in canine melancholy, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict is sustainable is rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, written by its screenwriters and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. It functions as a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on green trees as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
If these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the execution and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is easily the best part of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for the split would feel more nuanced with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – even if it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
