🔗 Share this article

This is a common warning among many that sharing custody a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such situations prevent individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.

Without minimizing the emotional well-being of animals – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in pet despair, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable is a questionable prospect.

Predictable Foundations

Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. The narrative proves to be straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for the Northeast.

Where the Film Shines

If these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. It provides a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.

The Two-Legged Cast

The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, not quite landing a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character seems a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a very good boy.)

The story strives to provide depth to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, since the title character is undoubtedly the cutest element of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.

• Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform starting December 10.