🔗 Share this article

This is a common warning among many that sharing custody a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.

Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, consider another performance. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on this conflict works effectively is rather doubtful.

Standard Holiday Fare

To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than its premise. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in fake snow clinging to lush pines as a warm climate stands in for the Northeast.

The Dog's Domain

If these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and one's taste for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.

The Two-Legged Cast

The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a endearing lack of ego that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer succeeds in acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)

The story strives to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, since the title character is easily the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.

• Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.