It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups impede former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – many owners speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a standout portrayal in pet despair, consider recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to split households. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on this conflict holds water seems debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity remains surface-level. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – including familiar faces – serve as the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries piled on green trees as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable depends on the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who seek out for pet content. It provides a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
This level of success is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between serious study, broad humor, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. He brings a charming humility that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to add substance to the central romance for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for the split could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
