It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that jointly caring for a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations hinder ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying across the board. Seemingly, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to feel down.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people speak of their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall another performance. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict works effectively remains a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – think flurries surrounding verdant foliage as North Carolina substitutes for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – the kind who scroll endlessly for pet content. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the canine star, and while this leads to some stilted moments between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness does not extend for the human side of the story. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the unusual premise. He brings a charming humility that provides a significant portion of the appeal 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 little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Merv himself manages acting depressed – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is by far the cutest element of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – even if it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform this December.
