This is a common warning in certain circles that sharing custody a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups prevent individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying for all parties. Seemingly, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
While respecting the inner life of animals – many owners speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a masterclass in pet despair, consider a past film. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time coping with divided living arrangements. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on this conflict is sustainable is debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by its screenwriters and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity are modest. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – think flurries piled on verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who browse regularly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the dog, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style vacillates between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, never fully committing to a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character comes across as a touch too detached, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split would feel more nuanced with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform this December.
