It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion after a breakup is ill-advised. Most will argue such arrangements hinder individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying for all parties. Seemingly, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
While respecting the inner life of animals – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in pet despair, one need only look a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adapting to divided living arrangements. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. Its storyline proves to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by fake snow piled on lush pines as North Carolina doubles as a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
How these standard ingredients merge into something enjoyable rests upon the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for pet content. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie does offer dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the human side of the story. Its style shifts uneasily between emotional depth, broad humor, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is by far the cutest element of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise has potential – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.
