This is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a canine companion after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups impede former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to become depressed.
Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – pet parents attest to their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water remains a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, written by its screenwriters and helmed by director Swale, never aspires to be deeper than its premise. This is a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – serve as the usual assortment of types. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements coalesce into a pleasant experience rests upon the execution and one's taste for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, pet moping, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer is convincing at flopping and whining – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, given that the title character is easily the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise has potential – though I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
