This is a widely held belief among many that co-parenting a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups impede former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying for everyone involved. As it turns out, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to become depressed.
While respecting the mental health of our pets – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need standout portrayal in canine melancholy, one need only look another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable is a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than its premise. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. Its storyline proves to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – serve as the usual assortment of types. The film's look has the quality of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – think fake snow surrounding lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who scroll endlessly for pet content. It provides a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise cannot be applied for the human side of the story. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe demanded of 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 either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at flopping and whining – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, since Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split might seem more nuanced with less exposition and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – though it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.