It is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a pet following a split is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations impede former couples from finding closure, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and prove frustrating across the board. Seemingly, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of our pets – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. If you need standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation works effectively is rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. The plot is destined to be straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – think fake snow surrounding verdant foliage as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a plethora of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, pet moping, and, in the end, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness does not extend for the human side of the story. The tone wavers between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, failing to master any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the humiliating and funny demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, notably when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer succeeds in acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is by far the best part of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split would feel more nuanced with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
