This is a common warning in certain circles that sharing custody a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups hinder former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.
Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – countless people attest to their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to divided living arrangements. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water seems rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. Its storyline proves to be simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by fake snow surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
If these standard ingredients come together into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and one's taste for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and while this leads to some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success is not earned for the romantic plot. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to a single genre. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a bit too dry, particularly when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a very good boy.)
The film attempts to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for the split would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.
