This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations hinder individuals from healing, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of animals – many owners attest to their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in pet despair, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water seems a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth is limited. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – including familiar faces – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as a summer location stands in for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these standard ingredients come together into a pleasant experience depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success is not earned for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the absurd and awkward inherent in the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that provides much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Gus the Dog succeeds in looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since the title character is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for the split would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.
