This is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a dog post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such situations prevent ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the inner life of animals – many owners attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, one need only look recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adapting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on this conflict holds water seems a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than its premise. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. The plot proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – including familiar faces – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by fake snow piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience depends on the actors' work and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who browse regularly for cute animal clips. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise cannot be applied for the romantic plot. Its style wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the unusual premise. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a bit too dry, notably when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer manages flopping and whining – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, since Merv is undoubtedly the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – even if it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
