This is a widely held belief for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups hinder former couples from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to become depressed.
While respecting the inner life of animals – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, consider another performance. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type played by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adapting to split households. Whether this premise a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable is debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than its premise. It functions as a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity remains surface-level. The plot proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will presumably realize the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries piled on lush pines as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
How these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and one's taste for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer dog beach fun, pet moping, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
This level of success does not extend for the human side of the story. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, failing to master a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. His performance contains a charming humility that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character seems a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still an excellent dog.)
The story strives to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since the title character is by far the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for the split could have been more nuanced with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video this December.
