This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede former couples from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and become annoying for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.
Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, consider a past film. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to split households. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on this conflict is sustainable seems debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and directed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than a light film. It functions as a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth remains surface-level. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will surely realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as North Carolina stands in for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and while this leads to some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise is not earned for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between emotional depth, broad humor, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is fully game the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. He brings a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in flopping and whining – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation could have been more nuanced with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.
