🔗 Share this article

It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion following a split is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such setups prevent ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, as a development suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.

Without minimizing the mental health of dogs – many owners attest to their remarkable empathy. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult coping with split households. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation holds water is rather doubtful.

Predictable Foundations

Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by its screenwriters and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – think fake snow clinging to green trees as North Carolina doubles as a cold December city.

The Dog's Domain

If these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch depends on the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.

The Two-Legged Cast

The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing a consistent feel. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. The character comes across as a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages 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 add substance to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, considering the title character is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split might seem more grounded and mature with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – even if it's hardly a great one either.

• Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.