This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations hinder ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.
While respecting the inner life of dogs – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, consider a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type played by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adapting to split households. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on this conflict works effectively seems rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. The narrative proves to be straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – featuring familiar faces – serve as the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – think flurries clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
How these standard ingredients merge into a pleasant experience rests upon the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise is not earned for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between serious study, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and physical comedy, not quite landing any one mode. This is not Charlie Cox, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the unusual premise. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, particularly when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is easily the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
