This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for all parties. Seemingly, as a development suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult coping with split households. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in fake snow clinging to green trees as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
If these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, the canine performer manages looking despondent – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)
The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, since Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for the split would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
