This is a widely held belief in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in pet despair, simply recall recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time coping with split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom on such a setup is sustainable seems rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. This is a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as a warm climate stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
If these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success is not earned for the romantic plot. The tone shifts uneasily between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not Charlie Cox, who is fully game the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. He brings a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering the dog is by far the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for the split could have been more grounded and mature with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.
