This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet following a split is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede former couples from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Without minimizing the inner life of our pets – many owners attest to their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in canine melancholy, consider another performance. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time coping with split households. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water remains rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by director Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than its premise. This is a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity remains surface-level. The narrative is destined to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. The film's look has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. His performance contains a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The film attempts to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, since the dog is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.
