This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements hinder individuals from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and become annoying for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to become depressed.
While respecting the mental health of our pets – many owners attest to their remarkable empathy. If you need standout portrayal in pet despair, consider recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of director Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity remains surface-level. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Side characters – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate stands in for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, pet moping, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone vacillates between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that provides much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for the split would feel more nuanced with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – but it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.
