This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations prevent ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and prove frustrating across the board. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
While respecting the inner life of animals – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – exemplified by fake snow surrounding lush pines as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable depends on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who browse regularly for pet content. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
This level of success does not extend for the human side of the story. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, not quite landing any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer manages looking despondent – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains an excellent dog.)
The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their original breakup might seem more grounded and mature with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, hitting every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
