It is a common warning among many that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such setups hinder former couples from healing, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.
While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on such a setup works effectively is debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – played by a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow clinging to lush pines as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience rests upon the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for pet content. Audiences receive a series of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie does offer dog beach fun, pet moping, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, 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 seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a bit too dry, especially when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – even if it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
