Merv Review – A Four-Legged Actor Commands the Show in the Streaming Giant’s Formulaic Holiday Romance

This is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups prevent former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.

While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – many owners observe their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with split households. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable remains debatable at best.

Predictable Foundations

Honestly, Merv, written by its screenwriters and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. We have here a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline unfolds as straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – featuring a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look has the quality of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate stands in for the Northeast.

The Dog's Domain

Whether these standard ingredients coalesce into something enjoyable depends on the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.

The Human Element

This level of success does not extend for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between serious study, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, not quite landing any one mode. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character comes across as a bit too dry, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a very good boy.)

Merv tries to provide depth to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.

• Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.