This is a widely held belief for numerous people that co-parenting a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such arrangements hinder ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in pet despair, consider recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to split households. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation works effectively seems rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. This is a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the execution and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who scroll endlessly for pet content. Audiences receive a series of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. The tone shifts uneasily between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the bizarre setting. His performance contains a charming humility that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal comes across as a bit too dry, especially when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to add substance to the central romance for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering the dog is by far the best part of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The reason for the split might seem more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.
