This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements prevent ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and become annoying for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to become depressed.
While respecting the mental health of our pets – many owners attest to their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in pet despair, one need only look another performance. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to split households. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance around this situation holds water seems debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to green trees as North Carolina doubles as a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these standard ingredients merge into a pleasant experience hinges on the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who scroll endlessly for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth 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 succeeds in showing walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between emotional depth, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the unusual premise. He brings a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog manages acting depressed – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a very good boy.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since the title character is by far the best part of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split would feel more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.
