It is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet following a split is ill-advised. Most will argue such arrangements hinder individuals from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and become annoying for everyone involved. As it turns out, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.
While respecting the inner life of our pets – pet parents attest to their profound sensitivity. If you need prime example in pet despair, simply recall recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by Gus the Dog, would struggle coping with life in two homes. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation works effectively seems a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity remains surface-level. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – featuring familiar faces – serve as the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – think flurries piled on green trees as North Carolina stands in for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, the canine performer succeeds in acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, since the dog is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
