It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups prevent former couples from finding closure, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. If you need prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with split households. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on this conflict is sustainable remains a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and directed by director Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than a light film. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. Its storyline unfolds as simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as a summer location substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these predictable parts merge into something enjoyable rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character seems a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at acting depressed – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that the title character is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup could have been more nuanced with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
