🔗 Share this article

It is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede former couples from finding closure, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and become annoying for all parties. As it turns out, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.

Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – countless people speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, consider 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 struggle coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance around this situation holds water seems debatable at best.

Predictable Foundations

Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and under the guidance of director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than what it is. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will surely rediscover the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate stands in for a cold December city.

Where the Film Shines

How these standard ingredients come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. It provides a plethora of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Two-Legged Cast

Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe inherent in the unusual premise. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)

Merv tries to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, given that the dog is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their original breakup would feel more grounded and mature with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.

• Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.