It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that sharing custody a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations prevent former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating across the board. Seemingly, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water seems a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than a light film. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity remains surface-level. The narrative proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look has the quality of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by fake snow clinging to lush pines as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
How these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog succeeds in acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
