This is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede former couples from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to feel down.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – many owners observe their deep emotional capacity. For a masterclass in pet despair, consider a past film. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time coping with divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup works effectively remains debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the depth remains surface-level. Its storyline proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – think flurries clinging to green trees as a summer location substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
If these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie does offer canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between emotional depth, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in acting depressed – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is by far the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation would feel more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting every expected note. Creating a movie with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.
