It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog following a split is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such setups prevent individuals from moving forward, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.
While respecting the mental health of our pets – pet parents attest to their remarkable empathy. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult coping with split households. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on this conflict holds water is debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. It functions as a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. The plot is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as North Carolina doubles as a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for pet content. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
This level of success is not earned for the human side of the story. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to add substance to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, since the title character is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for the split could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.
