🔗 Share this article

It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups impede ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to experience sadness.

Not to downplay the mental health of animals – many owners observe their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time coping with divided living arrangements. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on this conflict works effectively remains debatable at best.

A Familiar Formula

Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and helmed by director Swale, never aspires to be deeper than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions remains surface-level. Its storyline proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – featuring a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – think fake snow clinging to lush pines as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.

Where the Film Shines

If these standard ingredients come together into a pleasant experience rests upon the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who browse regularly for cute animal clips. It provides a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.

The Human Element

Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a bit too dry, especially when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in acting depressed – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still an excellent dog.)

Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since the dog is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for the split could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.

• Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.