This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a pet after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such arrangements prevent former couples from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.
While respecting the inner life of animals – pet parents attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adapting to split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation is sustainable is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity remains surface-level. The narrative unfolds as straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually has the quality of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who browse regularly for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing a single genre. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still an excellent dog.)
The story strives to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since the dog is by far the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – though I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
