This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. Most will argue such situations prevent ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to feel down.
Without minimizing the inner life of animals – countless people speak of their deep emotional capacity. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to split households. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation works effectively is a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by its screenwriters and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. This is a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – 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, take a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – including familiar faces – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable rests upon the strength of the performances and one's taste for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach shifts uneasily between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, failing to master any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. His performance contains a charming humility that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is undoubtedly the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their separation could have been more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.
