This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion after a breakup is ill-advised. Most will argue such setups prevent former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying for all parties. Seemingly, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to become depressed.
While respecting the inner life of dogs – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in pet despair, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on this conflict is sustainable seems rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. The plot proves to be simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as a warm climate stands in for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these standard ingredients coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between serious study, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The story strives to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering the dog is by far the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation could have been more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict is not terrible – but it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
