🔗 Share this article

This is a common warning in certain circles that sharing custody a canine companion following a split is ill-advised. Most will argue such arrangements hinder individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. Seemingly, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.

Without minimizing the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, one need only look recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to split households. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on this conflict is sustainable remains rather doubtful.

Predictable Foundations

Honestly, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions are modest. The narrative proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – serve as the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on green trees as a warm climate stands in for a wintery Boston.

The Canine Charisma

How these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience rests upon the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some stilted moments between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.

The Human Element

The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style vacillates between serious study, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, failing to master a single genre. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. His performance contains a charming humility that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a bit too dry, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)

Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since the dog is by far the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.

• Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.