🔗 Share this article

This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that sharing custody a canine companion after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such setups hinder individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.

Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. For a standout portrayal in pet despair, one need only look recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance around this situation is sustainable is rather doubtful.

Predictable Foundations

Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. It functions as a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. The narrative is destined to be simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on 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. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.

The Canine Charisma

How these familiar elements come together into something enjoyable depends on the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. Audiences receive a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, pet moping, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Human Element

This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the absurd and awkward inherent in the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal can feel a bit too dry, particularly when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)

Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, given that the dog is easily the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.

• Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.