This is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements prevent individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
While respecting the mental health of animals – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, consider another performance. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to split households. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on such a setup is sustainable remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than its premise. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, embark 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 Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic has the quality of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – as seen in fake snow clinging to green trees as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for dog videos. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the dog, and while this leads to some stilted moments between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. His performance contains a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is by far the best part of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their separation could have been more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – but it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform this December.
