This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that co-parenting a dog post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements hinder ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying for everyone involved. As it turns out, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to split households. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water is rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and directed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. The narrative proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – think fake snow surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – those people who seek out for pet content. It provides a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and while this leads to some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style shifts uneasily between emotional depth, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, notably when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since the dog is undoubtedly the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform this December.
