🔗 Share this article

It is a widely held belief in certain circles that sharing custody a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such situations hinder former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying for all parties. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.

Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. If you need masterclass in pet despair, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively remains a questionable prospect.

Predictable Foundations

To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of director Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. It functions as a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. The narrative is destined to be simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will presumably realize the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – exemplified by fake snow surrounding green trees as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.

The Dog's Domain

How these standard ingredients come together into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who browse regularly for pet content. Audiences receive a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie does offer dog beach fun, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.

The Human Element

The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward required by the unusual premise. His performance contains a charming humility that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, particularly when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still an excellent dog.)

Merv tries to provide depth to the central romance for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since the title character is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.

• Merv premieres on Prime Video this December.