This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements hinder ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of our pets – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to split households. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on such a setup works effectively remains rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of director Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than its premise. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth remains surface-level. Its storyline proves to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring 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 obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate stands in for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
How these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable depends on the actors' work and one's taste for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise is not earned for the romantic plot. The tone shifts uneasily between emotional depth, broad humor, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing a single genre. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character comes across as a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, the canine performer succeeds in flopping and whining – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The film attempts to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is undoubtedly the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie with this canine conflict is not terrible – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.
