It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that sharing custody a pet following a split is a terrible idea. Most will argue such situations prevent ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. As it turns out, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the mental health of animals – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on such a setup works effectively remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, never aspires to be deeper than a light film. This is a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity are modest. The plot is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – played by a group of comedic actors – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look has the quality of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries surrounding lush pines as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
How these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success cannot be applied for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between serious study, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Merv himself manages looking despondent – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since the title character is by far the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
