It is a common warning among many that sharing custody a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations impede ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying across the board. Seemingly, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in pet despair, one need only look a past film. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to divided living arrangements. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water is a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions is limited. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will presumably realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements come together into something enjoyable depends on the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, pet moping, and, finally, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, not quite landing any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, notably when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since the title character is by far the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
