This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a pet after a breakup is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations prevent former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to feel down.
While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in pet despair, simply recall recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with split households. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance around this situation holds water is debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. The plot unfolds as 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 luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – think fake snow surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
If these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who scroll endlessly for pet content. Audiences receive a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the silliness and cringe inherent in the unusual premise. His performance contains a charming humility that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, particularly when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, given that the dog is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their separation would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting every expected note. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.
