It is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. If you need masterclass in pet despair, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation holds water is debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. We have here a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the depth remains surface-level. Its storyline unfolds as simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these standard ingredients merge into something enjoyable depends on the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for cute animal clips. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, dog depression, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between relationship drama, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and physical comedy, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to provide depth to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that the title character is easily the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their original breakup might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – even if it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform this December.
