This is a widely held belief in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups impede individuals from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.
While respecting the inner life of animals – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. If you need masterclass in pet despair, consider recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle coping with life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and helmed by director Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – serve as the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by fake snow piled on green trees as North Carolina substitutes for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
If these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and one's taste for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who seek out for pet content. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and even if it causes some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a very good boy.)
The story strives to provide depth to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, since the title character is by far the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for the split would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting every expected note. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video this December.
