It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that co-parenting a pet after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent individuals from moving forward, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.
While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents observe their deep emotional capacity. If you need masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on such a setup works effectively seems rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than a light film. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the complexity remains surface-level. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries surrounding verdant foliage as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these standard ingredients come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who browse regularly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Human Element
This level of success cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, not quite landing any one mode. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the absurd and awkward inherent in the unusual premise. He brings a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. The character comes across as a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering the dog is by far the best part of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
