This is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such setups hinder ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. As it turns out, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – pet parents observe their deep emotional capacity. For a prime example in dog sorrow, consider recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type played by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water seems rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity remains surface-level. The plot proves to be simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic has the quality of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location substitutes for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
If these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for cute animal clips. It provides a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and while this leads to some awkward editing between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, pet moping, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, failing to master a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe inherent in the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a touch too detached, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that the dog is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video on December 10th.
