It is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a dog following a split is ill-advised. Most will argue such setups impede ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying across the board. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.
Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – many owners speak of their deep emotional capacity. For a prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to split households. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on such a setup works effectively seems rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by director Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than a light film. It functions as a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate stands in for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable depends on the execution and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, pet moping, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog succeeds in acting depressed – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a very good boy.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, since the title character is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform this December.
