It is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.
Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – pet parents speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film on such a setup holds water remains debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than a light film. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. The plot proves to be straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in flurries clinging to lush pines as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements come together into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for pet content. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, pet moping, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a single genre. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages looking despondent – not quite 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 regrettable choice, given that the title character is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.
