This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements hinder ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to become depressed.
While respecting the mental health of animals – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to divided living arrangements. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on this conflict works effectively remains rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by director Swale, never aspires to be more profound than a light film. We have here a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – played by familiar faces – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in flurries surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these standard ingredients merge into something enjoyable depends on the execution and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise cannot be applied for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a single genre. This is not Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward required by the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, particularly when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer manages looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)
Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is by far the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – even if it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
