This is a widely held belief in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is ill-advised. Most will argue such arrangements impede former couples from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. As it turns out, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the inner life of dogs – pet parents attest to their deep emotional capacity. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on this conflict holds water remains rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. It functions as a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. The narrative is destined to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in fake snow piled on lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience rests upon the actors' work and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is fully game the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. The character seems a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself is convincing at looking despondent – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The film attempts to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since the dog is easily the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
