This is a widely held belief among many that co-parenting a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations impede ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. Seemingly, as a development suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – many owners attest to their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance around this situation is sustainable seems rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the complexity remains surface-level. The narrative unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including a group of comedic actors – serve as the usual assortment of types. The film's look has the quality of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by fake snow piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. Audiences receive a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. 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, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between serious study, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a single genre. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. The character seems a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages acting depressed – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split could have been more nuanced with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
