It is a widely held belief for numerous people that sharing custody a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – pet parents attest to their remarkable empathy. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict is sustainable is a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline proves to be straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – think fake snow clinging to green trees as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the strength of the performances and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, pet moping, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between emotional depth, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself is convincing at looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
The story strives to provide depth to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, since the title character is undoubtedly the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
