This is a widely held belief for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations hinder ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the mental health of our pets – pet parents observe their deep emotional capacity. For a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, one need only look recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation works effectively is debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than its premise. We have here a holiday release from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will presumably realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look has the quality of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries piled on verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
If these standard ingredients coalesce into a pleasant experience rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a plethora of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie does offer dog beach fun, pet moping, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise is not earned for the romantic plot. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe 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. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their original breakup could have been more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.
