This is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such situations impede ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to become depressed.
While respecting the mental health of our pets – pet parents attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively is a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. This is a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity remains surface-level. The narrative is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – think fake snow surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
How these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who browse regularly for pet content. The film delivers a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and while this leads to some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, pet moping, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
This level of success is not earned for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to a single genre. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that supplies much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog manages acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)
The film attempts to give weight to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, since Merv is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.
