🔗 Share this article

This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that co-parenting a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups impede ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to experience sadness.

Without minimizing the mental health of our pets – countless people observe their deep emotional capacity. For a prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film on this conflict holds water seems a questionable prospect.

Standard Holiday Fare

Honestly, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. It functions as a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. Its storyline unfolds as straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.

Where the Film Shines

How these familiar elements come together into something enjoyable rests upon the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. It provides a plethora of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.

The Human Element

The same praise cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between emotional depth, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, not quite landing a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward inherent in the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that provides much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)

Merv tries to provide depth to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since the title character is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their original breakup might seem more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.

• Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.