It is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a pet after a breakup is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent ex-partners from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Without minimizing the mental health of dogs – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow surrounding green trees as a warm climate stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
If these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for dog videos. It provides a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe inherent in the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Merv himself manages looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains an excellent dog.)
The story strives to give weight to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, since Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting every expected note. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform this December.
