This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations hinder ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – many owners observe their deep emotional capacity. For a prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, never aspires to be deeper than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline unfolds as simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring familiar faces – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by fake snow surrounding lush pines as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable depends on the execution and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who scroll endlessly for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward required by the unusual premise. He brings a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, since the dog is undoubtedly the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for the split could have been more nuanced with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
