🔗 Share this article

This is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying across the board. As it turns out, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.

Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – countless people observe their deep emotional capacity. For a prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look another performance. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation works effectively seems rather doubtful.

A Familiar Formula

Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. It functions as a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. The narrative is destined to be straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – featuring a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as North Carolina substitutes for the Northeast.

The Canine Charisma

If these standard ingredients coalesce into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.

Where It Wobbles

Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the romantic plot. Its style wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer succeeds in acting depressed – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a very good boy.)

The story strives to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that the title character is undoubtedly the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their original breakup might seem more grounded and mature with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – though it's not exactly a brilliant concept.

• Merv premieres on the Amazon platform on December 10th.