This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups prevent former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to become depressed.
While respecting the inner life of animals – pet parents speak of their deep emotional capacity. If you need masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adapting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom on such a setup works effectively remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity are modest. The plot is destined to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
If these familiar elements coalesce into a pleasant experience hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for pet content. The film delivers a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the canine star, and while this leads to some awkward editing between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style wavers between emotional depth, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. His performance contains a charming humility that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character seems a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a very good boy.)
The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, since Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their separation would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.
