This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that co-parenting a pet following a split is ill-advised. Most will argue such setups prevent individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying for everyone involved. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.
Without minimizing the mental health of animals – many owners attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a prime example in pet despair, one need only look recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable remains rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (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. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries surrounding verdant foliage as North Carolina doubles as a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these familiar elements merge into something enjoyable depends on the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie does offer dog beach fun, pet moping, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The tone shifts uneasily between emotional depth, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a single genre. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is by far the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
