This is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a pet after a breakup is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations prevent individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.
Not to downplay the inner life of animals – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to split households. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup works effectively seems debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than its premise. It functions as a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. The narrative is destined to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – think flurries clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements come together into something enjoyable depends on the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and while this leads to some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a single genre. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe inherent in the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. The character comes across as a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself manages acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more nuanced with less exposition and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.
