It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that sharing custody a dog after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such arrangements hinder former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively seems a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than its premise. It functions as a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. The plot proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in fake snow piled on green trees as a summer location stands in for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
How these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable depends on the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a single genre. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the silliness and cringe inherent in the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. The character seems a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog succeeds in looking despondent – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a very good boy.)
The story strives to provide depth to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, considering Merv is by far the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.
