🔗 Share this article

It is a widely held belief for numerous people that sharing custody a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups prevent individuals from moving forward, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to experience sadness.

Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents attest to their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in canine melancholy, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adapting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup holds water remains debatable at best.

A Familiar Formula

To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions remains surface-level. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will presumably realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as North Carolina doubles as the Northeast.

The Canine Charisma

Whether these predictable parts merge into something enjoyable depends on the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.

The Human Element

This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, failing to master a single genre. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward inherent in the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)

The film attempts to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split could have been more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a great one either.

• Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.