This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations prevent ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to feel down.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need standout portrayal in dog sorrow, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to split households. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on such a setup works effectively seems debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and helmed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. The narrative unfolds as straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries piled on green trees as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a series of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the canine star, and while this leads to some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. He brings a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still an excellent dog.)
The story strives to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, since the dog is easily the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup might seem more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film with this canine conflict is not terrible – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
