🔗 Share this article

It is a widely held belief among many that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to experience sadness.

While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance around this situation is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.

Predictable Foundations

Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by its screenwriters and directed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – think fake snow piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate stands in for a wintery Boston.

Where the Film Shines

How these predictable parts coalesce into a pleasant experience rests upon the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, pet moping, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.

Where It Wobbles

The same praise is not earned for the human side of the story. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. The character comes across as a little too aloof, notably when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a very good boy.)

Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, considering Merv is undoubtedly the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup might seem more adult and realistic with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.

• Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.