This is a widely held belief for numerous people that sharing custody a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations impede individuals from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the mental health of animals – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in dog sorrow, consider another performance. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively is a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions remains surface-level. The narrative is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as North Carolina substitutes for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
If these familiar elements come together into something enjoyable rests upon the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. Audiences receive a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The tone wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe inherent in the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character seems a bit too dry, especially when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The story strives to provide depth to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, given that Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for the split would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
