It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that sharing custody a pet following a split is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such setups hinder ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. For a masterclass in pet despair, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by Gus the Dog, would struggle coping with life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively is rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. The narrative is destined to be simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is matched 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 should reunite. Ensemble players – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – think flurries piled on lush pines as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. The film delivers a series 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 the actors' responses, the movie delivers on canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the absurd and awkward inherent in the unusual premise. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal comes across as a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, the canine performer succeeds in acting depressed – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since the dog is undoubtedly the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for the split might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict is not terrible – though it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform this December.
