It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a pet following a split is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.
While respecting the inner life of animals – many owners attest to their deep emotional capacity. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle coping with split households. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively seems debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. The plot proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – including familiar faces – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow surrounding lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
How these familiar elements come together into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for pet content. The film delivers a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself is convincing at acting depressed – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a very good boy.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, given that the dog is undoubtedly the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for the split might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, hitting every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
