It is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups impede former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to feel down.
Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adapting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable is debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for pet content. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. The tone vacillates between serious study, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, given that the title character is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise has potential – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
