This is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such arrangements hinder former couples from finding closure, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to experience sadness.
While respecting the mental health of our pets – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a standout portrayal in pet despair, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively is a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than its premise. This is a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth is limited. The narrative proves to be straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – featuring a group of comedic actors – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and one's taste for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the dog, and while this leads to some stilted moments between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success cannot be applied for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between emotional depth, broad humor, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog succeeds in looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
