This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups prevent ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water remains debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions are modest. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually has the quality of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as a summer location substitutes for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
How these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience rests upon the execution and one's taste for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who scroll endlessly for dog videos. The film delivers a series of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, the canine performer manages acting depressed – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)
The film attempts to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for the split could have been more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – even if it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.
