It is a widely held belief in certain circles that co-parenting a pet after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to feel down.
While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, consider another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance around this situation is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – including a group of comedic actors – serve as the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by fake snow piled on lush pines as North Carolina doubles as a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
How these standard ingredients come together into a pleasant experience depends on the strength of the performances and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is Merv himself, and while this leads to some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Human Element
This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe inherent in the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. The character can feel a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.
