This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede former couples from healing, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in canine melancholy, one need only look a past film. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict works effectively seems rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. It functions as a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. Its storyline unfolds as straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – serve as the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in flurries clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina doubles as the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
If these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and while this leads to some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, not quite landing a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The story strives to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The cause for the split might seem more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
