It is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede individuals from healing, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in pet despair, one need only look a past film. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom on such a setup holds water remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. The narrative proves to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – serve as the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients merge into something enjoyable rests upon the strength of the performances and one's taste for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a plethora of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise is not earned for the human side of the story. The tone wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a single genre. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a bit too dry, particularly when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer manages looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that Merv is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – though it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
