This is a common warning among many that co-parenting a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements prevent individuals from finding closure, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. Seemingly, as a development suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation holds water remains rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. It functions as a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. Its storyline unfolds as simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by fake snow piled on lush pines as a summer location stands in for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. 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 the canine star, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, pet moping, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between emotional depth, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward required by the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, notably when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since the title character is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation would feel more nuanced with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.