It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such setups prevent ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – countless people speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a standout portrayal in pet despair, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle coping with split households. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water is rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than its premise. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions remains surface-level. Its storyline proves to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow piled on verdant foliage as North Carolina stands in for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between serious study, broad humor, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. The character comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split might seem more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.