It is a widely held belief for numerous people that sharing custody a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups hinder former couples from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and become annoying for all parties. Seemingly, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the inner life of dogs – pet parents attest to their remarkable empathy. For a standout portrayal in pet despair, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film on this conflict works effectively is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, written by its screenwriters and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the complexity remains surface-level. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – played by familiar faces – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries surrounding lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch rests upon the strength of the performances and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a plethora of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer dog beach fun, pet moping, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, not quite landing any one mode. This is not Charlie Cox, who is fully game the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, notably when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, given that the title character is easily the cutest element of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for the split could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.
