It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a dog post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such situations prevent ex-partners from healing, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to feel down.
Without minimizing the mental health of our pets – many owners attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by Gus the Dog, would struggle coping with divided living arrangements. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on such a setup works effectively remains debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth is limited. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – think flurries surrounding lush pines as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is Merv himself, and while this leads to some stilted moments between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to the central romance for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The reason for the split would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
