It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups prevent former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying for all parties. As it turns out, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to feel down.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, consider another performance. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adapting to split households. If this concept a full holiday film on such a setup works effectively is a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – as seen in fake snow piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
How these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for pet content. The film delivers a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. The character comes across as a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages flopping and whining – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, since the dog is undoubtedly the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their original breakup might seem more grounded and mature with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
