🔗 Share this article

This is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. Most will argue such situations prevent former couples from healing, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and become annoying for all parties. Seemingly, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to become depressed.

Without minimizing the mental health of our pets – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to split households. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on this conflict works effectively is debatable at best.

A Familiar Formula

To its credit, Merv, written by its screenwriters and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – are crafted as 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 – exemplified by flurries piled on lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.

The Dog's Domain

If these familiar elements come together into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.

Where It Wobbles

Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that provides much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a very good boy.)

The story strives to give weight to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.

• Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.