It is a widely held belief in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede former couples from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation works effectively seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than its premise. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by fake snow piled on green trees as North Carolina stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
If these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between serious study, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. His performance contains a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself is convincing at acting depressed – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)
The story strives to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, given that the dog is undoubtedly the best part of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The cause for the split would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – even if it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.
