It is a common warning among many that sharing custody a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations hinder ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and become annoying for all parties. As it turns out, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to feel down.
While respecting the mental health of our pets – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. If you need prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on this conflict is sustainable seems debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of director Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than its premise. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions remains surface-level. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will presumably realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch depends on the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a touch too detached, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform this December.
