It is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements hinder ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents attest to their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively seems a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, written by the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. The narrative is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will surely realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
How these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who scroll endlessly for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the dog, and while this leads to some awkward editing between animal action and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, notably when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, since the dog is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.
