It is a widely held belief among many that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations impede individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in pet despair, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on this conflict works effectively is a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and helmed by director Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. It functions as a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the complexity remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries surrounding lush pines as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
How these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for pet content. It provides a series of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the dog, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between emotional depth, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. The character can feel a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, considering Merv is easily the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – though I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.
