It is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is a terrible idea. Most will argue such situations prevent individuals from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents speak of their deep emotional capacity. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, one need only look recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on this conflict holds water seems rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity are modest. The narrative is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer dog beach fun, pet moping, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, not quite landing any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character can feel a touch too detached, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since the dog is by far the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video on December 10th.
