It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. Most will argue such situations hinder individuals from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.
While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. If you need prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water seems a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. The narrative is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including familiar faces – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow piled on green trees as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts coalesce into something enjoyable rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is Merv himself, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, pet moping, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
This level of success is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a touch too detached, notably when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer succeeds in looking despondent – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a very good boy.)
The story strives to add substance to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, given that the title character is easily the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The cause for the split would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – though it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
