It is a widely held belief in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups hinder individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying for everyone involved. As it turns out, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – countless people speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup is sustainable seems rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by familiar faces – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – think obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
If these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for pet content. It provides a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna comes across as a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog succeeds in looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.
