It is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such situations impede former couples from finding closure, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and become annoying across the board. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, one need only look another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adapting to split households. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water remains debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than a light film. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – played by familiar faces – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
How these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is Merv himself, and while this leads to some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. He brings a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself is convincing at acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is by far the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for the split would feel more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.
