It is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such situations hinder ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.
While respecting the mental health of our pets – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in pet despair, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on this conflict is sustainable remains debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the complexity remains surface-level. The narrative is destined to be simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – serve as the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – think flurries clinging to lush pines as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
If these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch depends on the execution and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, not quite landing any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the silliness and cringe inherent in the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to add substance to the central romance for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
