This is a widely held belief among many that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such arrangements hinder ex-partners from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on such a setup is sustainable is rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. The narrative unfolds as straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look has the quality of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these standard ingredients come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a single genre. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe inherent in the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character comes across as a touch too detached, notably when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer manages flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup might seem more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.
