🔗 Share this article

This is a widely held belief for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent individuals from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.

Without minimizing the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time coping with divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation holds water remains a questionable prospect.

Predictable Foundations

Honestly, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. This is a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity remains surface-level. Its storyline unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually carries the feel of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in fake snow clinging to lush pines as a summer location substitutes for a cold December city.

The Dog's Domain

If these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for pet content. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, in the end, doggie joy.

The Human Element

The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between emotional depth, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing a single genre. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, notably when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)

The story strives to provide depth to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since the title character is easily the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.

• Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.