It is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements impede former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
While respecting the inner life of our pets – pet parents attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adapting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water is debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the ambitions are modest. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple 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 luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience rests upon the execution and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the canine star, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between animal action and human reaction, the movie does offer dog beach fun, pet moping, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages looking despondent – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)
The story strives to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for the split might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – even if it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
