It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups prevent ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. As it turns out, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in pet despair, one need only look another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film on such a setup is sustainable remains debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. The plot proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to green trees as a warm climate stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the canine star, and while this leads to some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style vacillates between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. The character can feel a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
