This is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements hinder former couples from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance 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.
Not to downplay the mental health of animals – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in pet despair, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adapting to split households. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable seems rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and one's taste for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is Merv himself, and even if it causes some stilted moments between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, pet moping, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness does not extend for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the unusual premise. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, the canine performer is convincing at acting depressed – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a very good boy.)
The film attempts to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, since Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict is not terrible – though it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
