It is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder ex-partners from healing, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and become annoying for all parties. As it turns out, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.
While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners observe their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom on such a setup is sustainable is debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. The plot is destined to be straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as North Carolina stands in for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
If these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a series of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success is not earned for the romantic plot. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, failing to master a single genre. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Merv himself manages acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)
The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, given that the title character is by far the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
