This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups impede former couples from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – many owners observe their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on this conflict is sustainable is rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by fake snow piled on green trees as a summer location substitutes for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
If these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for dog videos. It provides a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character comes across as a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself is convincing at looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for the split might seem more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.
