This is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. Most will argue such situations prevent former couples from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to feel down.
Not to downplay the inner life of animals – many owners attest to their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, consider recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adapting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on such a setup works effectively is rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. The narrative is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – featuring a group of comedic actors – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries surrounding lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the execution and one's taste for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, pet moping, and, finally, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise is not earned for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is fully game the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. He brings a charming humility that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since the title character is by far the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – but it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.
