Merv Review – A Four-Legged Actor Commands the Show in Amazon’s By-the-Book Holiday Romance

It is a widely held belief in certain circles that sharing custody a dog after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such setups hinder former couples from healing, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to become depressed.

While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation works effectively remains debatable at best.

Predictable Foundations

Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. It functions as a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline proves to be straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – serve as the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries piled on lush pines as a warm climate stands in for the Northeast.

Where the Film Shines

Whether these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – those people who seek out for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.

The Two-Legged Cast

Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a single genre. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, notably when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a very good boy.)

The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering the dog is by far the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more nuanced with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.

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