This is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups impede ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – pet parents attest to their deep emotional capacity. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to split households. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on this conflict works effectively seems rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions remains surface-level. Its storyline proves to be straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Side characters – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think flurries clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a single genre. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Merv himself is convincing at acting depressed – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since the title character is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
