It is a widely held belief in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups prevent ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
While respecting the mental health of dogs – countless people attest to their remarkable empathy. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on this conflict is sustainable seems debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by its screenwriters and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. This is a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries piled on green trees as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
If these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. It provides a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. He brings a charming humility that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at acting depressed – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to give weight to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, given that the dog is by far the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation would feel more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
