This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations impede former couples from finding closure, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions remains surface-level. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as a summer location doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
How these predictable parts merge into something enjoyable rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for dog videos. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the dog, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, notably when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself is convincing at looking despondent – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since the dog is easily the cutest element of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split would feel more nuanced with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – though it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
