It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that sharing custody a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede individuals from healing, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and become annoying across the board. Seemingly, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.
While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance around this situation holds water remains debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than its premise. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. The plot 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, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in flurries piled on green trees as North Carolina stands in for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements coalesce into a pleasant experience rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction 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 canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise is not earned for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between emotional depth, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, considering the title character is by far the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for the split might seem more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
