This is a widely held belief among many that co-parenting a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations impede ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, as a development suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to become depressed.
Without minimizing the mental health of dogs – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on this conflict is sustainable remains debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, written by its screenwriters and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions is limited. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as North Carolina substitutes for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
If these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable depends on the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that provides much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character comes across as a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is easily the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their separation would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
