This is a common warning in certain circles that sharing custody a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups prevent individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying for all parties. Apparently, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to split households. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance around this situation is sustainable remains debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and under the guidance of director Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth remains surface-level. The narrative is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will presumably realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries clinging to green trees as a summer location substitutes for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
How these predictable parts coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is Merv himself, and while this leads to some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned 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 any one mode. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal 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 little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog is convincing at acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The story strives to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is easily the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their original breakup could have been more grounded and mature with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting is not terrible – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
