It is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups hinder individuals from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating across the board. As it turns out, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – many owners speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance around this situation is sustainable seems rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions remains surface-level. The narrative is destined to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – think obvious snow effects piled on green trees as North Carolina doubles as a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
If these predictable parts merge into something enjoyable rests upon the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. The character comes across as a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to add substance to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since Merv is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
