This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations prevent ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.
Without minimizing the inner life of our pets – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. The plot is destined to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – think flurries clinging to green trees as a warm climate stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
How these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
This level of success is not earned for the romantic plot. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a single genre. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. The character comes across as a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, the canine performer manages acting depressed – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a very good boy.)
Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, since the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.
