It is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and prove frustrating across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – countless people observe their deep emotional capacity. To witness a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water seems debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. The narrative is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow surrounding lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for pet content. It provides a series of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe inherent in the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that provides much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a very good boy.)
Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since Merv is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform on December 10th.