It is a widely held belief for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such situations impede former couples from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a standout portrayal in pet despair, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation works effectively seems rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. Its storyline proves to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries clinging to green trees as North Carolina substitutes for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
If these predictable parts merge into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the canine star, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone shifts uneasily between emotional depth, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and physical comedy, not quite landing a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the unusual premise. He brings a endearing lack of ego that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna comes across as a bit too dry, particularly when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages acting depressed – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since the dog is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their original breakup could have been more nuanced with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – though it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
