Merv Review – A Canine Star Steals the Spotlight in the Streaming Giant’s By-the-Book Holiday Romance

This is a common warning among many that co-parenting a canine companion following a split is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations prevent ex-partners from healing, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and prove frustrating across the board. As it turns out, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to feel down.

Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in pet despair, consider recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water remains debatable at best.

Predictable Foundations

Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. Its storyline unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – think flurries clinging to lush pines as North Carolina doubles as the Northeast.

The Canine Charisma

If these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable rests upon the execution and one's taste for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for cute animal clips. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the dog, and while this leads to some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie does offer dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Human Element

The same praise is not earned for the human side of the story. Its style shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, failing to master a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. His performance contains a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)

Merv tries to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise has potential – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.

• Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.