It is a widely held belief in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder former couples from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. Seemingly, as a development suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to become depressed.
While respecting the mental health of animals – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. For a standout portrayal in pet despair, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. The plot proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – played by familiar faces – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually carries the feel of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries clinging to green trees as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who seek out for pet content. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise is not earned for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between emotional depth, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a consistent feel. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. His performance contains a charming humility that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself manages acting depressed – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since the dog is by far the cutest element of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The reason for the split could have been more nuanced with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – though it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
