This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements hinder individuals from healing, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.
Without minimizing the inner life of our pets – pet parents speak of their deep emotional capacity. If you need prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup works effectively remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and helmed by director Swale, never aspires to be deeper than its premise. This is a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries piled on green trees as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
How these standard ingredients come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. It provides a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to a single genre. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character can feel a bit too dry, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, considering the dog is by far the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise has potential – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.
