This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that co-parenting a dog post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements hinder individuals from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and become annoying for everyone involved. As it turns out, as a development suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents attest to their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance around this situation is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of director Swale, never aspires to be more profound than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth is limited. The plot proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – think fake snow clinging to lush pines as a summer location stands in for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience depends on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for dog videos. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and though it results in some awkward editing between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing any one mode. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to add substance to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, since Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – though it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.
