This is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations prevent ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. As it turns out, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to become depressed.
While respecting the inner life of animals – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in pet despair, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adapting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a full holiday film on such a setup works effectively is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. 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 post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by familiar faces – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – exemplified by fake snow clinging to green trees as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these predictable parts merge into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the canine star, and while this leads to some awkward editing between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness does not extend for the human side of the story. The tone wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is fully game the silliness and cringe inherent in the unusual premise. He brings a endearing lack of ego that provides much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character can feel a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, given that Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their original breakup might seem more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – though it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
