🔗 Share this article

This is a widely held belief among many that jointly caring for a pet following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede former couples from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to experience sadness.

While respecting the mental health of animals – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adapting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict is sustainable is a questionable prospect.

A Familiar Formula

To its credit, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than its premise. We have here a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. The narrative proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as a summer location doubles as a wintery Boston.

The Canine Charisma

If these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and while this leads to some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.

Where It Wobbles

This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing any one mode. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the unusual premise. He brings a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, the canine performer manages flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a very good boy.)

Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their original breakup might seem more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – though it's not exactly a great one either.

• Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.