This is a widely held belief among many that sharing custody a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent individuals from finding closure, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.
While respecting the inner life of animals – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in pet despair, consider another performance. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would struggle coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict works effectively is debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, written by its screenwriters and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth remains surface-level. Its storyline unfolds as straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will surely realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually has the quality of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as North Carolina stands in for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and one's taste for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who browse regularly for pet content. The film delivers a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
The same praise cannot be applied for the romantic plot. Its style wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. He brings a endearing lack of ego that provides much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. The character can feel a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, since Merv is easily the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for their original breakup might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. 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 starting December 10.
