It is a widely held belief in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede ex-partners from healing, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – countless people observe their deep emotional capacity. To witness a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would struggle coping with split households. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on this conflict is sustainable remains debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than its premise. This is a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries surrounding verdant foliage as North Carolina stands in for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and an acceptance of easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who browse regularly for cute animal clips. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the humiliating and funny demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, given that the dog is undoubtedly the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split could have been more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – but it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
