🔗 Share this article

It is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a dog following a split is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such arrangements prevent former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.

Not to downplay the mental health of animals – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, one need only look a past film. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time coping with divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation works effectively is rather doubtful.

A Familiar Formula

Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions are modest. The plot proves to be simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as a summer location stands in for the Northeast.

The Canine Charisma

How these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Human Element

The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, never fully committing to a single genre. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna comes across as a bit too dry, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Gus the Dog is convincing at acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)

Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since the title character is by far the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.

• Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.