This is a widely held belief for numerous people that co-parenting a pet after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations prevent former couples from healing, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and become annoying across the board. Seemingly, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to feel down.
Without minimizing the mental health of our pets – pet parents observe their deep emotional capacity. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on this conflict works effectively is debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions are modest. The plot proves to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – think obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for pet content. It provides a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, given that the dog is by far the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more grounded and mature with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – though it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video on December 10th.
