This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and become annoying for everyone involved. Seemingly, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a prime example in canine melancholy, consider a past film. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively remains rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – including familiar faces – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines 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 actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise is not earned for the human side of the story. The tone shifts uneasily between emotional depth, broad humor, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, failing to master any one mode. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself manages acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation could have been more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, hitting every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video this December.
