It is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such situations impede ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating across the board. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
While respecting the mental health of our pets – pet parents observe their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, consider another performance. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time coping with divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on this conflict works effectively is a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries clinging to lush pines as North Carolina doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the canine star, and while this leads to some awkward editing between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success cannot be applied for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. This is not Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny demanded of the dog resort scenario. He brings a likable self-deprecation that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that the title character is undoubtedly the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their original breakup could have been more grounded and mature with more screen time and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
