It is a widely held belief for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements prevent former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for all parties. Seemingly, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the inner life of animals – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in pet despair, consider recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water remains a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than a light film. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. The plot proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for cute animal clips. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie does offer walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, given that the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split could have been more nuanced with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – though I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
