It is a widely held belief among many that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations hinder ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – countless people speak of their deep emotional capacity. If you need masterclass in dog sorrow, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a full holiday film on this conflict holds water seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. We have here a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline proves to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these predictable parts coalesce into something enjoyable rests upon the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between serious study, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward inherent in the unusual premise. He brings a charming humility that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, notably when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to add substance to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, considering Merv is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – though it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
