🔗 Share this article

It is a widely held belief for numerous people that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements hinder former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to experience sadness.

While respecting the inner life of dogs – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in pet despair, consider a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with split households. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on this conflict is sustainable is a questionable prospect.

A Familiar Formula

To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions are modest. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries clinging to lush pines as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.

The Canine Charisma

Whether these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable rests upon the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for dog videos. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the dog, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.

Where It Wobbles

This level of success is not earned for the romantic plot. The tone shifts uneasily between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, notably when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)

The story strives to provide depth to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, since the dog is by far the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.

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