This is a widely held belief for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. Most will argue such situations prevent individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.
While respecting the mental health of animals – countless people attest to their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in pet despair, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water remains a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than its premise. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline unfolds as simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – as seen in flurries surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location substitutes for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these standard ingredients coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for pet content. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the canine star, and while this leads to some awkward editing between animal action and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, especially when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (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 give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering the dog is by far the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with more screen time and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise has potential – but it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.
