🔗 Share this article

This is a widely held belief for numerous people that co-parenting a pet following a split is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent individuals from healing, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and become annoying for everyone involved. Seemingly, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.

Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in canine melancholy, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with split households. The idea of basing a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.

Predictable Foundations

Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. Its storyline proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow piled on lush pines as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.

The Canine Charisma

Whether these standard ingredients merge into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who browse regularly for pet content. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and human reaction, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, doggie joy.

Where It Wobbles

The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, failing to master any one mode. This is not Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, the canine performer succeeds in flopping and whining – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely an excellent dog.)

The story strives to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, considering the dog is undoubtedly the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though it's not exactly a great one either.

• Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform this December.