It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such arrangements prevent ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating across the board. As it turns out, as a development suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – pet parents observe their deep emotional capacity. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, one need only look recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup works effectively seems a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. It functions as a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the ambitions remains surface-level. Its storyline proves to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually has the quality of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – think obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as North Carolina stands in for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
If these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. The film delivers a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, pet moping, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, never fully committing to a single genre. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna comes across as a bit too dry, particularly when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)
The story strives to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation might seem more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
