This is a widely held belief in certain circles that co-parenting a pet after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners attest to their deep emotional capacity. If you need standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to split households. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water remains debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to green trees as a summer location substitutes for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts merge into something enjoyable hinges on the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who browse regularly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone vacillates between serious study, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, the canine performer is convincing at acting depressed – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a very good boy.)
The story strives to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, given that the dog is easily the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for their original breakup could have been more nuanced with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
