It is a widely held belief for numerous people that sharing custody a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements impede former couples from finding closure, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.
Without minimizing the inner life of animals – countless people speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in canine melancholy, consider a past film. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. The narrative proves to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries clinging to lush pines as North Carolina stands in for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. Audiences receive a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
This level of success is not earned for the romantic plot. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the unusual premise. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog succeeds in looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a very good boy.)
Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, considering Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for the split might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
