It is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations impede individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in pet despair, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to divided living arrangements. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on this conflict works effectively is a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. It functions as a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. The plot proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – played by a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by fake snow piled on verdant foliage as North Carolina substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable depends on the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward inherent in the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, since the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for the split might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
