This is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such arrangements prevent former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. If you need standout portrayal in dog sorrow, consider another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup is sustainable remains debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of director Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including familiar faces – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
If these predictable parts coalesce into a pleasant experience rests upon the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between serious study, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, not quite landing a single genre. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. The character can feel a touch too detached, notably when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains an excellent dog.)
The story strives to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, given that the dog is undoubtedly the cutest element of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their original breakup could have been more grounded and mature with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise has potential – though it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
