This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that jointly caring for a pet following a split is ill-advised. Most will argue such arrangements impede individuals from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to become depressed.
While respecting the inner life of dogs – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in dog sorrow, consider recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time coping with split households. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation works effectively is debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than its premise. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions remains surface-level. The narrative proves to be straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – think flurries clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina stands in for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these standard ingredients coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the canine star, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. His performance contains a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer manages flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The story strives to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is by far the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, hitting every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
