This is a widely held belief for numerous people that sharing custody a pet post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such situations prevent individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.
Not to downplay the inner life of animals – pet parents observe their deep emotional capacity. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on this conflict is sustainable is rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than a light film. We have here a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – as seen in flurries clinging to lush pines as a warm climate stands in for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
If these standard ingredients merge into something enjoyable rests upon the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
This level of success cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The tone wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master a single genre. This is not Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. The character comes across as a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, since the dog is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
