🔗 Share this article

This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such setups impede former couples from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.

Without minimizing the emotional well-being of our pets – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in pet despair, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle coping with split households. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on such a setup is sustainable seems rather doubtful.

A Familiar Formula

Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – serve as the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries piled on verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.

The Dog's Domain

How these predictable parts merge into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and while this leads to some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Human Element

This level of success is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a charming humility that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)

The story strives to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.

• Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.