It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups hinder ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – pet parents attest to their remarkable empathy. If you need masterclass in dog sorrow, consider another performance. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with divided living arrangements. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively is a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. It functions as a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline proves to be straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – played by familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – think flurries clinging to green trees as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who browse regularly for pet content. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and while this leads to some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their original breakup could have been more nuanced with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – even if it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.
