Film Analysis of Merv – A Canine Star Steals the Spotlight in the Streaming Giant’s By-the-Book Christmas Romcom

It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such situations hinder former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. As it turns out, as a development suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.

Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in pet despair, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable remains rather doubtful.

Predictable Foundations

Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth is limited. The narrative is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as North Carolina doubles as the Northeast.

Where the Film Shines

Whether these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is Merv himself, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Two-Legged Cast

Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward inherent in the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself is convincing at flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)

The story strives to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that the title character is easily the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their original breakup might seem more grounded and mature with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.

• Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.