This is a widely held belief among many that sharing custody a canine companion after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.
Without minimizing the mental health of our pets – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. If you need prime example in pet despair, consider recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on this conflict is sustainable seems debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. The plot is destined to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic has the quality of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
If these predictable parts merge into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer canine party antics, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, notably when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer succeeds in looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is easily the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their separation could have been more nuanced with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
