This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that sharing custody a dog following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such situations prevent individuals from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. For a masterclass in pet despair, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to divided living arrangements. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup is sustainable remains rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by fake snow piled on lush pines as a summer location substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these standard ingredients merge into something enjoyable depends on the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. His performance contains a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a touch too detached, notably when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at flopping and whining – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – even if it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform this December.
