It is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such arrangements hinder ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with divided living arrangements. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on such a setup works effectively seems debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – think obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and one's taste for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a series of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer dog beach fun, pet moping, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise cannot be applied for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, failing to master a single genre. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, the canine performer is convincing at flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)
The story strives to provide depth to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, considering the title character is easily the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for the split could have been more grounded and mature with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video this December.
