This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent individuals from moving forward, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.
While respecting the mental health of dogs – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. If you need masterclass in pet despair, one need only look recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict holds water is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by director Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline proves to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will surely realize the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring familiar faces – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as a summer location doubles as a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable depends on the strength of the performances and one's taste for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness does not extend for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to add substance to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, since the dog is easily the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – even if it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.
