This is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such arrangements hinder former couples from healing, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and prove frustrating across the board. As it turns out, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Without minimizing the inner life of our pets – countless people speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, consider recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on this conflict is sustainable is debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. The narrative proves to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness 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 belong with each other. Side characters – including familiar faces – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries surrounding lush pines as a warm climate stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
If these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who scroll endlessly for pet content. The film delivers a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and while this leads to some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer manages looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that the dog is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict is not terrible – though it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
