This is a common warning among many that co-parenting a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements prevent former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in pet despair, one need only look recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would struggle coping with split households. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on such a setup is sustainable is debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – think fake snow surrounding green trees as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between emotional depth, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still an excellent dog.)
The story strives to give weight to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – though it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.
