This is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups impede former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
While respecting the inner life of animals – pet parents attest to their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in pet despair, simply recall another performance. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to split households. Whether this premise a full holiday film on this conflict holds water remains a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions are modest. The plot is destined to be straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including familiar faces – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience rests upon the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for dog videos. It provides a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise is not earned for the romantic plot. Its style wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, never fully committing to a single genre. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character seems a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.
