This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations prevent ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to become depressed.
Without minimizing the mental health of animals – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. For a masterclass in pet despair, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict works effectively remains debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and helmed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. This is a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity remains surface-level. Its storyline proves to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look has the quality of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow piled on lush pines as North Carolina doubles as a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal can feel a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is by far the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for the split would feel more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
