It is a widely held belief among many that co-parenting a pet after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups prevent former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. Seemingly, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – pet parents observe their deep emotional capacity. If you need masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would struggle coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict holds water remains debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who seek out for dog videos. It provides a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the canine star, and while this leads to some awkward editing between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between serious study, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. He brings a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. The character seems a bit too dry, notably when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still an excellent dog.)
The story strives to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering the dog is easily the best part of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.
