🔗 Share this article

This is a common warning among many that co-parenting a dog following a split is a terrible idea. Most will argue such setups hinder ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to feel down.

While respecting the inner life of our pets – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, one need only look recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to split households. If this concept a full holiday film on such a setup works effectively remains rather doubtful.

Predictable Foundations

Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and under the guidance of director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. The narrative is destined to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think fake snow piled on verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as a wintery Boston.

The Dog's Domain

Whether these predictable parts coalesce into something enjoyable rests upon the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and while this leads to some stilted moments between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.

The Human Element

Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between emotional depth, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a single genre. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, notably when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages acting depressed – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a very good boy.)

Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since the dog is undoubtedly the cutest element of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting every expected note. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.

• Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.