It is a widely held belief for numerous people that co-parenting a pet after a breakup is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – many owners speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adapting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a full holiday film on such a setup works effectively remains a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, written by its screenwriters and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. Its storyline proves to be straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – as seen in fake snow piled on lush pines as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these familiar elements merge into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, dog depression, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style vacillates between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog succeeds in acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is by far the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.
