It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups impede former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable is a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. It functions as a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. The plot unfolds as straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to green trees as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for pet content. The film delivers a series of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, pet moping, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach shifts uneasily between emotional depth, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to the central romance for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that the dog is undoubtedly the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for their original breakup could have been more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
