It is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups hinder former couples from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and become annoying for all parties. Apparently, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to feel down.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, one need only look another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adapting to split households. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water is debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by fake snow piled on lush pines as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, pet moping, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise is not earned for the human side of the story. Its style shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. The character seems a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The story strives to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie with this canine conflict is not terrible – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
