It is a widely held belief among many that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such arrangements prevent ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to feel down.
While respecting the inner life of our pets – pet parents attest to their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in pet despair, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to split households. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water seems rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of director Swale, never aspires to be anything more than its premise. This is a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. The narrative unfolds as simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
How these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
This level of success cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The film's approach vacillates between emotional depth, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that supplies 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. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer succeeds in flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.
