It is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such arrangements prevent former couples from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
While respecting the inner life of dogs – many owners speak of their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time coping with split households. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup works effectively is a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, written by its screenwriters and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. It functions as a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. The narrative is destined to be simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – think flurries clinging to lush pines as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – those people who seek out for pet content. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the canine star, and while this leads to some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. Its style vacillates between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
The story strives to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
