🔗 Share this article

It is a common warning among many that co-parenting a pet after a breakup is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to experience sadness.

While respecting the inner life of dogs – many owners speak of their deep emotional capacity. For a prime example in pet despair, consider another performance. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would struggle coping with split households. If this concept a full holiday film on such a setup works effectively remains rather doubtful.

A Familiar Formula

To its credit, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than a light film. We have here a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow surrounding lush pines as a warm climate stands in for the Northeast.

The Canine Charisma

How these standard ingredients coalesce into a pleasant experience rests upon the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.

The Two-Legged Cast

Such effectiveness does not extend for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. The character seems a bit too dry, notably when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in acting depressed – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still an excellent dog.)

The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, since the title character is by far the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with more screen time and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting is not terrible – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.

• Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.