It is a widely held belief for numerous people that sharing custody a canine companion following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups impede former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the inner life of animals – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, one need only look another performance. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. It functions as a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. The plot proves to be straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as a warm climate stands in for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for cute animal clips. It provides a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, pet moping, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Human Element
This level of success is not earned for the human side of the story. The tone shifts uneasily between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, never fully committing to a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at flopping and whining – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – though it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video this December.
A tech journalist with over a decade of experience covering emerging technologies and digital innovation across global markets.
