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 setups prevent former couples from moving forward, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and become annoying for everyone involved. As it turns out, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the mental health of our pets – countless people attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. Its storyline proves to be straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will presumably realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – think obvious snow effects clinging to green trees as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable depends on the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that provides much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at acting depressed – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The story strives to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is easily the cutest element of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video this December.
