This is a widely held belief among many that jointly caring for a pet following a split is ill-advised. Most will argue such setups impede former couples from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and become annoying for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to feel down.
While respecting the inner life of our pets – countless people speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, one need only look a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation works effectively remains debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than what it is. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually carries the feel of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries clinging to lush pines as a warm climate stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
How these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between emotional depth, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, the canine performer manages acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a very good boy.)
The film attempts to give weight to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, since the dog is by far the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.
