This is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements impede individuals from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to become depressed.
While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable is a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by its screenwriters and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than its premise. This is a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
If these standard ingredients merge into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie does offer canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a bit too dry, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to give weight to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, given that the title character is by far the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for the split would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
