It is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a pet after a breakup is ill-advised. Most will argue such arrangements prevent former couples from healing, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – pet parents attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable remains rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to green trees as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience rests upon the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for pet content. Audiences receive a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is Merv himself, and while this leads to some awkward editing between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward inherent in the unusual premise. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, since Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more nuanced with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting is not terrible – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform this December.
