It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that co-parenting a canine companion following a split is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such situations prevent ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the mental health of animals – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a full holiday film on such a setup is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by its screenwriters and helmed by director Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients coalesce into something enjoyable rests upon the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – those people who scroll endlessly for pet content. Audiences receive a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie does offer dog beach fun, pet moping, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. His performance contains a charming humility that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog succeeds in looking despondent – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, given that the title character is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for the split could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
