🔗 Share this article

This is a widely held belief among many that co-parenting a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such situations hinder former couples from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to become depressed.

Without minimizing the inner life of our pets – many owners observe their deep emotional capacity. To witness a masterclass in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adapting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict works effectively remains a questionable prospect.

Standard Holiday Fare

Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. It functions as a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually carries the feel of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – think flurries surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.

Where the Film Shines

How these standard ingredients come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.

The Human Element

The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone vacillates between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, failing to master a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a bit too dry, notably when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, the canine performer is convincing at flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)

The story strives to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for their original breakup could have been more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.

• Merv premieres on the Amazon platform on December 10th.