This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that jointly caring for a dog following a split is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such arrangements prevent former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to become depressed.
Without minimizing the mental health of dogs – countless people speak of their remarkable empathy. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, consider a past film. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to divided living arrangements. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup works effectively seems debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. It functions as a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the complexity remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – played by familiar faces – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who seek out for pet content. It provides a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. The character seems a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – though it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
