🔗 Share this article

This is a common warning among many that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such setups hinder ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to feel down.

Without minimizing the mental health of dogs – pet parents observe their deep emotional capacity. For a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film on such a setup works effectively seems a questionable prospect.

Standard Holiday Fare

Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably realize the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – featuring familiar faces – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for a wintery Boston.

The Canine Charisma

How these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the execution and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer dog beach fun, pet moping, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Human Element

This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a consistent feel. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the humiliating and funny demanded of the bizarre setting. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. The character comes across as a bit too dry, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a scene-stealer.)

The story strives to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that the title character is by far the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.

• Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.