It is a widely held belief in certain circles that sharing custody a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements prevent ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – countless people observe their deep emotional capacity. For a prime example in canine melancholy, consider another performance. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a full holiday film on this conflict holds water seems rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than its premise. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions remains surface-level. The plot proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think fake snow piled on green trees as a warm climate stands in for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
If these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise is not earned for the human side of the story. The tone wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character comes across as a bit too dry, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages flopping and whining – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a very good boy.)
Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, given that the title character is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – even if it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
