This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such situations impede former couples from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and become annoying across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
While respecting the mental health of dogs – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a standout portrayal in pet despair, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to split households. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively is debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. The narrative unfolds as straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – featuring familiar faces – serve as the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – think flurries piled on lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
How these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for pet content. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and while this leads to some stilted moments between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
This level of success is not earned for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself is convincing at acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, considering the dog is undoubtedly the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – though it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.
