🔗 Share this article

It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a pet after a breakup is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such arrangements prevent former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating across the board. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.

Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – countless people observe their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to split households. The idea of basing a full holiday film on this conflict holds water remains rather doubtful.

Standard Holiday Fare

To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than a light film. It functions as a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.

Where the Film Shines

Whether these standard ingredients come together into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and one's taste for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between animal action and human reaction, the movie does offer canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.

Where It Wobbles

Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The tone shifts uneasily between emotional depth, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. The character seems a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)

The story strives to provide depth to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, since Merv is undoubtedly the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though it's not exactly a stroke of genius.

• Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.