It is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such arrangements prevent individuals from healing, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in pet despair, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on such a setup is sustainable is rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. This is a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
How these predictable parts merge into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is Merv himself, and while this leads to some awkward editing between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. Its style wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, given that the dog is by far the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.
