This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that sharing custody a dog after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such situations prevent ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, as a development suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.
While respecting the inner life of our pets – many owners speak of their remarkable empathy. If you need masterclass in dog sorrow, consider another performance. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time coping with split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on this conflict is sustainable seems debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity remains surface-level. The narrative is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually has the quality of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – think flurries surrounding verdant foliage as North Carolina doubles as a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – those people who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. It provides a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success is not earned for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between serious study, broad humor, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to a single genre. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, notably when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, since the dog is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting every expected note. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – though it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
