This is a widely held belief in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups hinder ex-partners from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, as a development suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable remains a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than a light film. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions are modest. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – think flurries piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness does not extend for the human side of the story. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing any one mode. This is not Charlie Cox, who is fully game the absurd and awkward inherent in the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself is convincing at acting depressed – while no 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 bit of a pity, since Merv is undoubtedly the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
