This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. Most will argue such situations hinder former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Without minimizing the mental health of our pets – countless people speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in pet despair, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with split households. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on such a setup works effectively seems a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, never aspires to be deeper than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. The plot proves to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries piled on lush pines as a summer location substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
How these standard ingredients coalesce into something enjoyable depends on the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for pet content. The film delivers a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, since the dog is by far the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
