This is a widely held belief for numerous people that co-parenting a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such situations prevent individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying for everyone involved. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the inner life of animals – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to split households. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on this conflict is sustainable remains debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than its premise. It functions as a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow surrounding lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts coalesce into a pleasant experience rests upon the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, pet moping, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
The same praise cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that provides much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a touch too detached, notably when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)
Merv tries to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since Merv is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting every expected note. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
