It is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. If you need masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall another performance. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adapting to split households. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation holds water remains rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in fake snow surrounding lush pines as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for pet content. It provides a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie does offer dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success is not earned for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal can feel a bit too dry, notably when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a very good boy.)
Merv tries to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since the dog is by far the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
