It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such setups prevent ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating across the board. As it turns out, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.
Not to downplay the inner life of animals – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in pet despair, one need only look recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on such a setup holds water is a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location substitutes for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
How these standard ingredients coalesce into a pleasant experience rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for dog videos. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the dog, and while this leads to some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages acting depressed – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for the split might seem more grounded and mature with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict is not terrible – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.
