It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet following a split is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements prevent ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating across the board. As it turns out, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.
Without minimizing the inner life of our pets – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time coping with split households. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on this conflict works effectively is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by its screenwriters and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity are modest. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to green trees as a summer location substitutes for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
How these standard ingredients come together into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and one's taste for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for pet content. The film delivers a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style wavers between emotional depth, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, failing to master any one mode. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to give weight to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, since Merv is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform this December.
