🔗 Share this article

This is a common warning among many that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede individuals from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.

Not to downplay the mental health of animals – pet parents attest to their profound sensitivity. For a masterclass in pet despair, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation is sustainable remains a questionable prospect.

A Familiar Formula

Honestly, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. The narrative is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – played by familiar faces – serve as the usual assortment of types. The film's look has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate stands in for a cold December city.

The Dog's Domain

Whether these standard ingredients coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the actors' work and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.

The Human Element

This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing a single genre. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character seems a bit too dry, especially when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer succeeds in looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)

The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering the dog is undoubtedly the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their separation would feel more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.

• Merv streams on Prime Video this December.