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

It is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.

Not to downplay the inner life of animals – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in pet despair, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation works effectively remains debatable at best.

Predictable Foundations

Honestly, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of director Swale, never aspires to be anything more than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on green trees as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.

Where the Film Shines

How these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for dog videos. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the dog, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.

The Two-Legged Cast

Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely an excellent dog.)

The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, given that Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup could have been more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a great one either.

• Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.