🔗 Share this article

This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that sharing custody a dog following a split is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such arrangements prevent ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.

Without minimizing the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. For a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation is sustainable remains debatable at best.

A Familiar Formula

Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by its screenwriters and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth is limited. Its storyline proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – think fake snow piled on verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as a wintery Boston.

The Canine Charisma

If these standard ingredients merge into something enjoyable rests upon the strength of the performances and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the canine star, and while this leads to some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.

Where It Wobbles

The same praise is not earned for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the unusual premise. He brings a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, notably when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)

The story strives to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering the title character is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting every expected note. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – even if it's hardly a stroke of genius.

• Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.