It is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. Most will argue such situations hinder former couples from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. As it turns out, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents attest to their deep emotional capacity. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by Gus the Dog, would struggle coping with divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film on this conflict holds water is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, never aspires to be deeper than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the complexity remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including a group of comedic actors – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
If these familiar elements merge into something enjoyable depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and human reaction, the movie does offer dog beach fun, pet moping, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. The character comes across as a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their separation might seem more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform this December.
