This is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such setups hinder individuals from finding closure, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. Seemingly, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in canine melancholy, consider a past film. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept a full holiday film on such a setup works effectively remains rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow piled on lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie does offer canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a single genre. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that provides much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)
The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering the title character is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
