This is a widely held belief for numerous people that sharing custody a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating across the board. As it turns out, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.
While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to split households. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on this conflict is sustainable seems debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. The narrative is destined to be straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina doubles as the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
If these predictable parts merge into something enjoyable rests upon the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some stilted moments between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, 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 serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a single genre. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is fully game the silliness and cringe inherent in the unusual premise. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, notably when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer succeeds in looking despondent – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The story strives to provide depth to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, considering Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for the split would feel more nuanced with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video this December.
