It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a dog post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder former couples from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. Seemingly, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – many owners attest to their deep emotional capacity. To witness a masterclass in canine melancholy, one need only look another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation holds water is rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and directed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth remains surface-level. The narrative proves to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – played by familiar faces – serve as the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable rests upon the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and while this leads to some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
The same praise cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The film's approach shifts uneasily between emotional depth, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master a single genre. This is not Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a charming humility that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character comes across as a touch too detached, notably when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a very good boy.)
The story strives to provide depth to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, since the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for the split could have been more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – but it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Prime Video this December.
