🔗 Share this article

This is a widely held belief in certain circles that sharing custody a dog post-separation is a terrible idea. Most will argue such setups hinder ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.

Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – pet parents attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup is sustainable remains debatable at best.

Standard Holiday Fare

To its credit, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than a light film. This is a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the complexity remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – played by familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for the Northeast.

The Dog's Domain

Whether these familiar elements come together into something enjoyable depends on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is Merv himself, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.

The Two-Legged Cast

The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the humiliating and funny demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character comes across as a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)

Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – but it's not exactly a great one either.

• Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.