It is a common warning among many that co-parenting a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups hinder ex-partners from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. Seemingly, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water remains debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, written by its screenwriters and under the guidance of director Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. The narrative proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will surely rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – played by a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, 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.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients coalesce into something enjoyable rests upon the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who browse regularly for pet content. 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 the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between serious study, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. The character can feel a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself is convincing at flopping and whining – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that the title character is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup might seem more grounded and mature with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Creating a movie with this canine conflict is not terrible – but it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
