It is a common warning in certain circles that sharing custody a dog post-separation is ill-advised. Most will argue such setups hinder former couples from healing, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.
While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people observe their deep emotional capacity. If you need prime example in pet despair, consider a past film. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water seems a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. It functions as a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth is limited. Its storyline proves to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in fake snow surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate stands in for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience hinges on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who seek out for pet content. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the canine star, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the human side of the story. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. He brings a endearing lack of ego that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character comes across as a bit too dry, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Prime Video this December.
