It is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements prevent ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in canine melancholy, consider another performance. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water remains rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions are modest. The plot proves to be simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – as seen in fake snow surrounding green trees as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
If these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. The tone wavers between emotional depth, broad humor, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a very good boy.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
