This is a common warning among many that co-parenting a pet after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of animals – many owners speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a masterclass in pet despair, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time coping with split households. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation holds water remains debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – think fake snow surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these standard ingredients merge into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between emotional depth, broad humor, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is fully game the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a bit too dry, particularly when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog succeeds in acting depressed – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split might seem more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
