This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements prevent ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to experience sadness.
While respecting the inner life of animals – pet parents attest to their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in pet despair, one need only look recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would struggle coping with split households. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup holds water seems rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, written by its screenwriters and under the guidance of director Swale, never aspires to be deeper than its premise. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the complexity are modest. The plot proves to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think flurries piled on green trees as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience rests upon the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for pet content. It provides a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is Merv himself, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. His performance contains a charming humility that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering Merv is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their separation might seem more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
