It is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a pet after a breakup is ill-advised. Most will argue such setups hinder former couples from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and become annoying for everyone involved. Seemingly, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
While respecting the mental health of dogs – countless people speak of their remarkable empathy. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adapting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a full holiday film on such a setup works effectively seems debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than its premise. This is a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth remains surface-level. Its storyline proves to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow piled on green trees as North Carolina stands in for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
This level of success is not earned for the human side of the story. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, not quite landing any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog succeeds in looking despondent – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a very good boy.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for the split could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video this December.
