It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that jointly caring for a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups prevent individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need standout portrayal in dog sorrow, consider another performance. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup holds water remains debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the complexity remains surface-level. The narrative proves to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location substitutes for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable hinges on the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, broad humor, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master a single genre. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, considering Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
