It is a widely held belief for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet following a split is a terrible idea. Most will argue such situations impede former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Without minimizing the mental health of animals – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively seems rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. We have here a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the complexity remains surface-level. The plot is destined to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to green trees as North Carolina doubles as a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
If these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience rests upon the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who browse regularly for cute animal clips. It provides a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a single genre. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. He brings a charming humility that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a touch too detached, notably when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer manages acting depressed – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to give weight to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
