Merv Review – A Four-Legged Actor Dominates the Spotlight in Amazon’s Formulaic Christmas Romcom

It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements hinder ex-partners from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and become annoying for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to experience sadness.

Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, consider another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film on such a setup works effectively remains rather doubtful.

A Familiar Formula

Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. Its storyline unfolds as straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually has the quality of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as a summer location doubles as a wintery Boston.

Where the Film Shines

How these predictable parts coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.

Where It Wobbles

This level of success is not earned for the romantic plot. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, not quite landing a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a very good boy.)

The story strives to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, since the dog is by far the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict is not terrible – though I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.

• Merv becomes available on Prime Video this December.