It is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a pet following a split is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such situations impede ex-partners from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to feel down.
Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup is sustainable remains debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth is limited. The plot proves to be straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – serve as the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable rests upon the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who scroll endlessly for pet content. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the unusual premise. He brings a charming humility that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a bit too dry, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – though it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
