This is a widely held belief in certain circles that sharing custody a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, as a development suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Without minimizing the inner life of dogs – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in pet despair, consider another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on such a setup works effectively is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, written by its screenwriters and helmed by director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. It functions as a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. The plot proves to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will presumably realize the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring familiar faces – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as a warm climate stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these standard ingredients merge into something enjoyable hinges on the execution and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for pet content. It provides a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie does offer walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The tone shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself is convincing at flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since the title character is easily the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for the split might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
