It is a widely held belief for numerous people that sharing custody a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements prevent ex-partners from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, consider another performance. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adapting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on this conflict works effectively seems a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, written by its screenwriters and under the guidance of director Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than a light film. It functions as a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth is limited. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – think obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for pet content. The film delivers a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The story strives to provide depth to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that the dog is easily the best part of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for the split could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform this December.
