This is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such setups hinder individuals from finding closure, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to feel down.
While respecting the mental health of our pets – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on this conflict works effectively remains rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than its premise. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – played by a group of comedic actors – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as a summer location stands in for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, failing to master a single genre. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, notably when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)
The film attempts to add substance to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, given that the title character is easily the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.
