🔗 Share this article

This is a widely held belief among many that sharing custody a canine companion after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such arrangements prevent individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to experience sadness.

Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – countless people speak of their deep emotional capacity. For a prime example in pet despair, consider recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup is sustainable remains debatable at best.

A Familiar Formula

Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth is limited. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.

The Dog's Domain

If these standard ingredients coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who scroll endlessly for dog videos. The film delivers a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.

The Human Element

The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)

Merv tries to provide depth to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, since the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.

• Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.