It is a widely held belief for numerous people that sharing custody a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations hinder former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. If you need masterclass in pet despair, consider another performance. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively remains debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by director Swale, never aspires to be anything more than its premise. It functions as a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity remains surface-level. The narrative unfolds as straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will surely realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries piled on green trees as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable depends on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. He brings a charming humility that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still an excellent dog.)
The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that the title character is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – though it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.
