This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements prevent former couples from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the inner life of animals – pet parents attest to their profound sensitivity. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water seems a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. The narrative proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – think fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
If these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who scroll endlessly for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success is not earned for the romantic plot. Its style wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the humiliating and funny demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting is not terrible – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
