It is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations hinder ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. As it turns out, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.
Without minimizing the inner life of dogs – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, one need only look recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adapting to split households. Whether this premise a full holiday film on this conflict works effectively seems debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, written by its screenwriters and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. This is a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – think fake snow piled on lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for pet content. Audiences receive a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. The character seems a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog succeeds in acting depressed – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that the dog is easily the best part of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The reason for the split might seem more grounded and mature with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.
