This is a widely held belief in certain circles that co-parenting a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – many owners speak of their deep emotional capacity. If you need prime example in pet despair, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adapting to split households. If this concept a full holiday film on such a setup holds water is a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth remains surface-level. The narrative unfolds as straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – featuring a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who seek out for dog videos. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie does offer dog beach fun, pet moping, and, finally, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style vacillates between serious study, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a bit too dry, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at acting depressed – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a very good boy.)
The film attempts to add substance to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is by far the cutest element of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their original breakup could have been more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
