🔗 Share this article

This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede ex-partners from healing, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to feel down.

While respecting the mental health of animals – countless people observe their deep emotional capacity. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to divided living arrangements. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation is sustainable seems debatable at best.

Predictable Foundations

Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – including familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.

The Canine Charisma

How these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch depends on the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the canine star, and while this leads to some stilted moments between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.

The Two-Legged Cast

The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. The tone wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, failing to master a single genre. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages looking despondent – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still an excellent dog.)

Merv tries to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting every expected note. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.

• Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.