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 situations prevent former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable remains debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. This is a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity remains surface-level. Its storyline proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – think flurries clinging to lush pines as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Human Element
This level of success does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between emotional depth, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the unusual premise. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. The character seems a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer manages acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that the dog is by far the best part of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for the split might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise has potential – though I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
