This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder former couples 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 can even cause the canine in question to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance around this situation is sustainable is a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. This is a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will surely realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – think obvious snow effects piled on green trees as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these predictable parts merge into something enjoyable rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. His performance contains a charming humility that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, notably when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to add substance 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 catalyst for their original breakup could have been more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise has potential – but I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
