It is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups impede former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the inner life of animals – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to divided living arrangements. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup works effectively seems rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than a light film. It functions as a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. The narrative unfolds as simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Side characters – including a group of comedic actors – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as a summer location stands in for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these standard ingredients coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and even if it causes some stilted moments between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character seems a touch too detached, notably when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, the canine performer manages looking despondent – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a very good boy.)
The story strives to give weight to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, considering the dog is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform this December.
