This is a widely held belief in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements prevent former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying for everyone involved. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.
While respecting the mental health of animals – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in pet despair, consider recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on this conflict is sustainable is a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. The plot proves to be straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge 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 stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
How these predictable parts merge into something enjoyable rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between emotional depth, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, failing to master any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks 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 little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for the split might seem more grounded and mature with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
