It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that sharing custody a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in canine melancholy, one need only look another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation works effectively is debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. The narrative proves to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as the usual assortment of types. The film's look has the quality of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by fake snow surrounding verdant foliage as North Carolina doubles as a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements 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 hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach shifts uneasily between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, not quite landing a single genre. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna comes across as a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer manages flopping and whining – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is by far the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for the split might seem more nuanced with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
