It is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups prevent former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Not to downplay the inner life of animals – countless people speak of their deep emotional capacity. If you need standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time coping with split households. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance around this situation is sustainable is a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. The narrative proves to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – think obvious snow effects piled on green trees as a warm climate stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
How these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself is convincing at acting depressed – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, since the title character is by far the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for the split could have been more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – though it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
