It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – many owners observe their deep emotional capacity. If you need prime example in pet despair, consider recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on such a setup works effectively is a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions is limited. The plot is destined to be straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – think fake snow piled on lush pines as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
If these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the canine star, and while this leads to some stilted moments between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Human Element
This level of success is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between serious study, broad humor, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is fully game the silliness and cringe required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer succeeds in flopping and whining – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since the title character is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
