This is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups impede ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. Seemingly, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to feel down.
Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. If you need prime example in pet despair, one need only look a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as 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 a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water is debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will presumably realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
How these predictable parts coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise cannot be applied for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between serious study, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. The character can feel a bit too dry, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer succeeds in looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to add substance to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since the title character is easily the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
