🔗 Share this article

This is a widely held belief in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such situations impede former couples from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and become annoying for everyone involved. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to become depressed.

Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adapting to split households. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water is debatable at best.

Predictable Foundations

Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than its premise. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity remains surface-level. The narrative unfolds as simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – played by familiar faces – serve as the usual assortment of types. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries clinging to green trees as a summer location doubles as a wintery Boston.

Where the Film Shines

Whether these predictable parts coalesce into a pleasant experience hinges on the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who scroll endlessly for pet content. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, pet moping, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Human Element

This level of success is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, failing to master a single genre. This is not Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character comes across as a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog succeeds in looking despondent – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still an excellent dog.)

The story strives to provide depth to the central romance for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup could have been more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.

• Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.