It is a common warning among many that sharing custody a pet following a split is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations prevent ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying across the board. As it turns out, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to experience sadness.
While respecting the inner life of animals – many owners attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, one need only look recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to split households. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water is rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. This is a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – as seen in fake snow piled on lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch depends on the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who scroll endlessly for pet content. Audiences receive a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and while this leads to some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness does not extend for the human side of the story. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, failing to master a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego 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 click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, notably when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog succeeds in acting depressed – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since Merv is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.
