It is a widely held belief among many that co-parenting a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations prevent former couples from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to become depressed.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of our pets – countless people speak of their remarkable empathy. For a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, simply recall another performance. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on such a setup is sustainable remains debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity remains surface-level. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow piled on lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a plethora of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The tone shifts uneasily between emotional depth, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master a single genre. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, 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, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the central romance for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for the split might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
