It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups hinder individuals from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water remains a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including familiar faces – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina stands in for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – those people who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. The character can feel a bit too dry, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog succeeds in acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, since the title character is by far the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
