This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements hinder individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.
Without minimizing the inner life of animals – many owners speak of their remarkable empathy. If you need standout portrayal in pet despair, one need only look another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. If this concept a feature-length romcom on such a setup works effectively seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. The narrative is destined to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to green trees as a warm climate stands in for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch rests upon the strength of the performances and one's taste for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a plethora of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and even if it causes some stilted moments between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward inherent in the bizarre setting. His performance contains a charming humility 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 click for some but not others. The character comes across as a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that the dog is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for the split could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video this December.
