This is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the mental health of our pets – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. For a masterclass in pet despair, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable is debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. It functions as a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
How these standard ingredients merge into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for pet content. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the canine star, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog succeeds in acting depressed – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains an excellent dog.)
The story strives to provide depth to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – though it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
