It is a common warning among many that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede former couples from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.
Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – pet parents attest to their deep emotional capacity. To witness a masterclass in pet despair, simply recall recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult coping with split households. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on this conflict works effectively seems debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by director Swale, never aspires to be more profound than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the complexity remains surface-level. The plot proves to be straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow clinging to lush pines as a warm climate stands in for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and one's taste for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to a single genre. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, the canine performer succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to provide depth to the central romance for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their separation might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
