It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations prevent ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
While respecting the mental health of dogs – many owners speak of their remarkable empathy. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation works effectively is debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than its premise. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth remains surface-level. The narrative proves to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – including familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by fake snow clinging to lush pines as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
If these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable depends on the actors' work and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a series of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is Merv himself, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success does not extend for the human side of the story. The film's approach 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 willing to embrace the absurd and awkward inherent in the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself is convincing at acting depressed – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is by far the best part of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their separation might seem more nuanced with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.
