It is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such arrangements prevent former couples from moving forward, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and become annoying for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on this conflict works effectively is rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and helmed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth is limited. The narrative proves to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – think fake snow piled on lush pines as a warm climate stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable hinges on the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for cute animal clips. The film delivers a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and though it results in some awkward editing between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style vacillates between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. The character can feel a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)
The story strives to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, since the dog is by far the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup might seem more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
