Merv Review – A Canine Star Dominates the Spotlight in the Streaming Giant’s By-the-Book Christmas Romcom

This is a widely held belief among many that sharing custody a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements impede ex-partners from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to feel down.

Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water seems debatable at best.

Standard Holiday Fare

Honestly, Merv, written by its screenwriters and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the complexity remains surface-level. Its storyline unfolds as simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – including familiar faces – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.

Where the Film Shines

If these standard ingredients come together into a pleasant experience rests upon the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.

Where It Wobbles

The same praise cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. The character seems a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a scene-stealer.)

The story strives to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is by far the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup could have been more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.

• Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.