🔗 Share this article

It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups impede ex-partners from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and prove frustrating across the board. Seemingly, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to experience sadness.

Without minimizing the inner life of dogs – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water remains a questionable prospect.

A Familiar Formula

Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – think obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.

The Dog's Domain

How these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who browse regularly for pet content. Audiences receive a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.

The Human Element

The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style vacillates between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)

The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is undoubtedly the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict is not terrible – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.

• Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.