This is a widely held belief in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements hinder former couples from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.
While respecting the mental health of animals – countless people observe their deep emotional capacity. To witness a standout portrayal in pet despair, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog 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 holds water is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries surrounding lush pines as a warm climate doubles as a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and one's taste for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who browse regularly for pet content. It provides a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The tone shifts uneasily between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her Anna comes across as a bit too dry, especially when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer manages flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, given that Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation might seem more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
