It is a common warning among many that sharing custody a pet following a split is ill-advised. Most will argue such setups hinder former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating across the board. As it turns out, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the inner life of animals – countless people speak of their remarkable empathy. For a standout portrayal in pet despair, one need only look a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adapting to split households. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable is debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions are modest. The narrative unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these standard ingredients come together into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – those people who scroll endlessly for pet content. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie does offer canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. He brings a charming humility that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, the canine performer manages flopping and whining – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation might seem more nuanced with less exposition and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
