This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for all parties. As it turns out, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.
Without minimizing the inner life of dogs – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film on such a setup works effectively is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than its premise. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. The narrative proves to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – including familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate stands in for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
If these familiar elements merge into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is Merv himself, and while this leads to some awkward editing between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone shifts uneasily between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe inherent in the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages flopping and whining – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a very good boy.)
The story strives to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since Merv is by far the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their separation would feel more nuanced with less exposition and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.
