This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Not to downplay the inner life of animals – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup is sustainable is rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – serve as the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as North Carolina stands in for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise is not earned for the romantic plot. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their original breakup would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
