It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements impede ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to become depressed.
While respecting the inner life of our pets – many owners speak of their remarkable empathy. If you need masterclass in pet despair, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation holds water remains a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. It functions as a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – think fake snow piled on lush pines as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a plethora of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, not quite landing a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward inherent in the bizarre setting. His performance contains a charming humility that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer is convincing at acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is easily the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – even if it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
