This is a common warning among many that sharing custody a canine companion after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements hinder individuals from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – countless people speak of their deep emotional capacity. For a prime example in pet despair, consider recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation is sustainable seems rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity remains surface-level. Its storyline unfolds as simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
If these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness does not extend for the human side of the story. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward demanded of the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, given that the title character is easily the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
