This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that co-parenting a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
While respecting the mental health of dogs – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in pet despair, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film on such a setup holds water remains rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than its premise. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in flurries surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. 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 the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success does not extend for the human side of the story. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. The character seems a touch too detached, notably when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, considering Merv is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more nuanced with less exposition and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.
