It is a widely held belief in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups prevent individuals from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the mental health of animals – many owners speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time coping with split households. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on this conflict is sustainable remains rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and directed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than its premise. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. The plot proves to be straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow clinging to lush pines as a summer location substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements merge into something enjoyable rests upon the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for dog videos. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video this December.
