🔗 Share this article

This is a common warning in certain circles that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations prevent individuals from moving forward, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to feel down.

While respecting the inner life of our pets – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable is debatable at best.

Predictable Foundations

To its credit, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. It functions as a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including familiar faces – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic has the quality of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by fake snow piled on verdant foliage as a summer location substitutes for a cold December city.

The Dog's Domain

How these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable depends on the execution and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and while this leads to some awkward editing between animal action and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Two-Legged Cast

The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a single genre. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. The character comes across as a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself is convincing at acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)

The film attempts to add substance to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – though it's not exactly a great one either.

• Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.