This is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a canine companion after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups impede former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – countless people speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a standout portrayal in pet despair, consider recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to split households. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on such a setup is sustainable is a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than its premise. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. The narrative is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will presumably realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – think flurries piled on verdant foliage as North Carolina substitutes for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience rests upon the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and while this leads to some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a likable self-deprecation that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is easily the best part of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split would feel more grounded and mature with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
