🔗 Share this article

This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such setups prevent individuals from finding closure, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.

Without minimizing the inner life of our pets – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup works effectively is debatable at best.

Standard Holiday Fare

Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.

The Dog's Domain

If these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience depends on the strength of the performances and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who seek out for cute animal clips. The film delivers a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and while this leads to some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.

Where It Wobbles

This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)

Merv tries to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, given that the dog is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split might seem more grounded and mature with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – though I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.

• Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.