It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion after a breakup is ill-advised. Most will argue such arrangements hinder ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.
While respecting the inner life of dogs – countless people attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a standout portrayal in pet despair, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup holds water remains debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by its screenwriters and under the guidance of director Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and while this leads to some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach shifts uneasily between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe demanded of the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The film attempts to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, considering Merv is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation would feel more nuanced with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise has potential – though it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video this December.