This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that co-parenting a pet after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such arrangements hinder ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a masterclass in pet despair, consider another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation holds water is debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – as seen in fake snow piled on lush pines as North Carolina stands in for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch depends on the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who browse regularly for pet content. It provides a plethora of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and while this leads to some stilted moments between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success is not earned for the romantic plot. Its style wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the bizarre setting. His performance contains a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
