This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that sharing custody a pet after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and become annoying for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, consider recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with split households. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water seems debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than its premise. This is a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the complexity are modest. Its storyline proves to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look has the quality of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as North Carolina doubles as a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
How these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who seek out for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that the title character is by far the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The cause for the split could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.
