This is a widely held belief in certain circles that sharing custody a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations hinder former couples from finding closure, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the mental health of animals – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively is rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth remains surface-level. The narrative is destined to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as a warm climate stands in for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
If these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable rests upon the actors' work and one's taste for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and while this leads to some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a bit too dry, particularly when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still an excellent dog.)
The story strives to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, given that Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.
