It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such arrangements hinder ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents attest to their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance around this situation holds water seems debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the complexity remains surface-level. The plot proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate stands in for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
If these familiar elements merge into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. The film delivers a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. The tone shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna can feel a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – even if it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
