It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. Most will argue such situations impede ex-partners from healing, 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 also makes our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – pet parents attest to their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type played by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup holds water seems rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. The plot proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – think fake snow clinging to lush pines as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these standard ingredients coalesce into a pleasant experience rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is Merv himself, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, broad humor, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages acting depressed – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still an excellent dog.)
The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for the split might seem more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting every expected note. Crafting a story with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
