🔗 Share this article

This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a pet following a split is ill-advised. Most will argue such setups prevent former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to feel down.

Without minimizing the mental health of animals – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in pet despair, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would struggle coping with divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a full holiday film on such a setup is sustainable seems rather doubtful.

A Familiar Formula

Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. The plot unfolds as straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – think fake snow piled on lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for the Northeast.

Where the Film Shines

If these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who scroll endlessly for pet content. Audiences receive a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is Merv himself, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.

The Two-Legged Cast

The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward inherent in the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself is convincing at flopping and whining – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a very good boy.)

Merv tries to add substance to the central romance for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is easily the best part of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for the split might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.

• Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.