This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that co-parenting a dog post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such situations impede former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. As it turns out, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – pet parents attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively seems debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by director Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth remains surface-level. The narrative is destined to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow piled on green trees as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
How these standard ingredients merge into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is Merv himself, and even if it causes some awkward editing between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
This level of success is not earned for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for the split might seem more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video this December.
