This is a widely held belief for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such situations prevent ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adapting to split households. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on such a setup works effectively remains rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. This is a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think flurries surrounding lush pines as a warm climate doubles as a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style vacillates between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a very good boy.)
The story strives to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since Merv is undoubtedly the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for the split might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Creating a movie with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
