🔗 Share this article

It is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a pet after a breakup is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent former couples from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. As it turns out, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to feel down.

Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people observe their deep emotional capacity. For a masterclass in pet despair, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with split households. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance around this situation holds water remains rather doubtful.

Standard Holiday Fare

To its credit, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions are modest. The narrative proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will presumably realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries surrounding verdant foliage as North Carolina stands in for the Northeast.

Where the Film Shines

If these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.

Where It Wobbles

The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, never fully committing to a single genre. This is not Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. His performance contains a charming humility that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, notably when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer succeeds in looking despondent – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)

Merv tries to give weight to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, given that the title character is undoubtedly the cutest element of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for the split would feel more grounded and mature with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – though I wouldn't call it a great one either.

• Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.