This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements impede individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.
While respecting the inner life of dogs – many owners attest to their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, consider another performance. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water remains a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. The narrative proves to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – think flurries piled on lush pines as a summer location stands in for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
If these familiar elements come together into something enjoyable rests upon the strength of the performances and one's taste for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between emotional depth, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to provide depth to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering the dog is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for the split could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – but it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.
