This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that co-parenting a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such setups prevent ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – many owners attest to their remarkable empathy. If you need standout portrayal in pet despair, one need only look recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup is sustainable is rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth is limited. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – played by 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 – as seen in fake snow surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
If these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch depends on the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The tone shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, failing to master a single genre. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, particularly when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to add substance to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, since the title character is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for the split would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – though I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
