This is a widely held belief among many that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such situations impede individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating across the board. As it turns out, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.
While respecting the mental health of dogs – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in pet despair, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time coping with divided living arrangements. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on this conflict works effectively seems rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions are modest. The narrative proves to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – think flurries clinging to green trees as a summer location substitutes for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
If these standard ingredients come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who scroll endlessly for pet content. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer canine party antics, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward 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, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that the dog is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
