It is a widely held belief for numerous people that co-parenting a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations hinder ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup is sustainable seems rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than what it is. This is a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity are modest. Its storyline proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – including familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually has the quality of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think flurries piled on verdant foliage as a summer location substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients come together into an entertaining watch depends on the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – those people who seek out for dog videos. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and even if it causes some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward inherent in the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a charming humility that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. The character seems a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the central romance for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video this December.
