This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog following a split is a terrible idea. Most will argue such setups impede ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the mental health of animals – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water is rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions is limited. The plot unfolds as straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
This level of success is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. The character seems a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains an excellent dog.)
The story strives to add substance to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, given that the title character is by far the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for the split might seem more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – though it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.
