This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements prevent former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents attest to their remarkable empathy. For a masterclass in pet despair, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept a feature-length romcom on such a setup is sustainable is a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline unfolds as straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – as seen in fake snow piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
If these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable depends on the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who browse regularly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
This level of success is not earned for the human side of the story. The tone wavers between emotional depth, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at flopping and whining – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a very good boy.)
The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, considering the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split might seem more grounded and mature with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.
