This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups impede former couples from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – countless people speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in pet despair, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water seems debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as a warm climate stands in for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these standard ingredients merge into something enjoyable depends on the strength of the performances and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who scroll endlessly for pet content. The film delivers a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and while this leads to some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. The character seems a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since the title character is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.
