This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that co-parenting a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups prevent former couples from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
While respecting the inner life of animals – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. For a masterclass in pet despair, one need only look another performance. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively remains a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. Its storyline proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a series 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 succeeds in showing canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. He brings a likable self-deprecation that supplies much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna can feel a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is easily the best part of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The reason for the split would feel more grounded and mature with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.
