This is a common warning in certain circles that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements impede former couples from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the inner life of animals – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in pet despair, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to split households. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water remains rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the complexity remains surface-level. The plot proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – played by a group of comedic actors – serve as the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries clinging to green trees as a summer location stands in for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
If these familiar elements coalesce into a pleasant experience rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the dog, and while this leads to some awkward editing between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone shifts uneasily between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the absurd and awkward inherent in the unusual premise. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies a significant portion of the appeal 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, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is easily the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – even if it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.
