This is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements hinder former couples from healing, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the inner life of animals – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. For a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup works effectively is rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. We have here a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the complexity remains surface-level. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – serve as the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – as seen in fake snow surrounding green trees as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for pet content. It provides a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The film's approach shifts uneasily between relationship drama, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. His performance contains a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)
The film attempts to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, considering Merv is undoubtedly the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation could have been more nuanced with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
