It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder former couples from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. Seemingly, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.
While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in pet despair, one need only look recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance around this situation is sustainable seems debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of director Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries piled on lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these predictable parts merge into something enjoyable hinges on the execution and one's taste for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. The character can feel a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the central romance for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering the dog is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for the split could have been more grounded and mature with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – even if it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
