This is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder individuals from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and become annoying across the board. Seemingly, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a full holiday film on this conflict works effectively remains debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. The narrative is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – serve as the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – think obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as North Carolina substitutes for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
How these standard ingredients come together into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who seek out for pet content. It provides a wealth 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 people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style vacillates between emotional depth, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, considering Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
