This is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such setups prevent former couples from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to feel down.
While respecting the mental health of our pets – countless people observe their deep emotional capacity. For a prime example in pet despair, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to divided living arrangements. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water is debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions remains surface-level. The narrative proves to be straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – including familiar faces – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – think obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
How these standard ingredients come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the absurd and awkward inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character comes across as a bit too dry, particularly when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself is convincing at acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)
The story strives to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Prime Video this December.
