This is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such arrangements hinder ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and prove frustrating across the board. As it turns out, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a masterclass in canine melancholy, one need only look recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively seems a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than its premise. It functions as a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth remains surface-level. The plot proves to be straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – including familiar faces – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these standard ingredients coalesce into a pleasant experience hinges on the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who browse regularly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a plethora of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and while this leads to some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and physical comedy, not quite landing any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is fully game the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, notably when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages looking despondent – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for the split would feel more nuanced with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – though it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
