It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that sharing custody a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such situations prevent individuals from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents attest to their deep emotional capacity. If you need prime example in pet despair, simply recall recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to split households. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance around this situation holds water seems debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. It functions as a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline proves to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually has the quality of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward inherent in the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Gus the Dog succeeds in looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering the dog is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation could have been more nuanced with less exposition and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.
