This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede individuals from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and prove frustrating across the board. As it turns out, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. If you need standout portrayal in pet despair, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adapting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on such a setup holds water is a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will surely rediscover the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these standard ingredients merge into something enjoyable rests upon the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a series of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and while this leads to some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a single genre. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward inherent in the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a bit too dry, especially when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to add substance to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering Merv is easily the best part of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation could have been more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
