This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that co-parenting a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups impede individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to feel down.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people attest to their remarkable empathy. For a standout portrayal in pet despair, consider a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult coping with split households. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on this conflict holds water remains rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. The narrative is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – as seen in fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these familiar elements merge into something enjoyable hinges on the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the unusual premise. He brings a charming humility that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, particularly when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at flopping and whining – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to add substance to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, since the dog is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their original breakup could have been more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – though it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
