This is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such setups impede ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to feel down.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on such a setup is sustainable is a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. It functions as a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the depth remains surface-level. The narrative proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow surrounding verdant foliage as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – those people who seek out for cute animal clips. The film delivers a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style vacillates between serious study, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and physical comedy, not quite landing any one mode. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself is convincing at looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
The film attempts to add substance to the central romance for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering the dog is undoubtedly the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for the split might seem more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
