It is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations prevent individuals from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – many owners attest to their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adapting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on such a setup is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than a light film. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. The plot unfolds as straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on green trees as a summer location substitutes for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between emotional depth, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny inherent in the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. The character can feel a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a very good boy.)
Merv tries to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation might seem more nuanced with less exposition and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
