It is a widely held belief for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups prevent ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than its premise. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. The narrative is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries piled on lush pines as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
This level of success cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to a single genre. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, considering the dog is by far the cutest element of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
