This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that co-parenting a canine companion following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups hinder former couples from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents observe their deep emotional capacity. To witness a masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation is sustainable is a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by its screenwriters and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity remains surface-level. The narrative unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will surely realize the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients merge into a pleasant experience depends on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a plethora of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a single genre. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at acting depressed – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The story strives to add substance to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, considering the dog is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – but it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.
