It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet following a split is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such setups hinder ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to feel down.
While respecting the mental health of dogs – many owners speak of their remarkable empathy. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adapting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on such a setup is sustainable is rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. It functions as a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. The narrative is destined to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – featuring a group of comedic actors – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow surrounding lush pines as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
If these predictable parts merge into something enjoyable rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. The film delivers a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the canine star, and while this leads to some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing a single genre. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that provides much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at acting depressed – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.
