This is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog following a split is a terrible idea. Most will argue such situations impede former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – countless people speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity are modest. The narrative proves to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – think fake snow clinging to lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
How these standard ingredients merge into a pleasant experience hinges on the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – those people who seek out for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character can feel a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself manages acting depressed – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains an excellent dog.)
The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, since Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their separation could have been more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.
