This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a pet after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such setups impede former couples from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to become depressed.
Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on this conflict is sustainable is a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. Its storyline proves to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – think fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these familiar elements coalesce into a pleasant experience rests upon the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The tone wavers between emotional depth, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, failing to master any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a bit too dry, especially when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The story strives to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering the dog is easily the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
