This is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such situations impede ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. As it turns out, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the inner life of animals – many owners speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, consider another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water is rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. The narrative is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in fake snow surrounding lush pines as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
If these standard ingredients coalesce into something enjoyable rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna can feel a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself is convincing at looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still 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 easily the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split could have been more nuanced with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.
