Merv Review – A Canine Star Commands the Show in Amazon’s By-the-Book Christmas Romcom

It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that sharing custody a dog following a split is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such arrangements hinder ex-partners from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to become depressed.

Without minimizing the mental health of animals – many owners speak of their deep emotional capacity. If you need standout portrayal in canine melancholy, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adapting to split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup is sustainable remains a questionable prospect.

Predictable Foundations

To its credit, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than its premise. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – think fake snow clinging to lush pines as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.

Where the Film Shines

If these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who scroll endlessly for pet content. It provides a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.

Where It Wobbles

The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, not quite landing a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a bit too dry, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains an excellent dog.)

The story strives to provide depth to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, since Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for the split could have been more nuanced with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.

• Merv premieres on the Amazon platform on December 10th.