It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that sharing custody a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying for all parties. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable remains rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than what it is. This is a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – think flurries clinging to lush pines as a summer location doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
How these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, never fully committing to a single genre. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward inherent in the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, notably when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog succeeds in acting depressed – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a very good boy.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since Merv is undoubtedly the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
