It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent individuals from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the inner life of animals – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. For a standout portrayal in pet despair, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water seems rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the complexity remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – think fake snow clinging to green trees as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that provides much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself is convincing at looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their original breakup might seem more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
