It is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent ex-partners from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – many owners attest to their deep emotional capacity. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to split households. If this concept a full holiday film on such a setup is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually has the quality of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – think fake snow piled on verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – the kind who scroll endlessly for pet content. It provides a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and while this leads to some stilted moments between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a charming humility that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, the canine performer succeeds in looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – even if it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
