It is a common warning among many that co-parenting a pet after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such arrangements hinder individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to feel down.
Without minimizing the mental health of our pets – pet parents attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, one need only look recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adapting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively remains debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. This is a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. The narrative is destined to be simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually has the quality of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – think fake snow piled on green trees as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience depends on the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who scroll endlessly for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, pet moping, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup might seem more grounded and mature with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
