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

It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that sharing custody a dog following a split is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such situations impede ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.

Without minimizing the mental health of our pets – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in dog sorrow, consider 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 find it difficult adjusting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict holds water remains debatable at best.

Standard Holiday Fare

Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than a light film. It functions as a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. The plot is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – think flurries piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for a wintery Boston.

The Dog's Domain

If these standard ingredients come together into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for pet content. The film delivers a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and while this leads to some stilted moments between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.

The Human Element

The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style vacillates between emotional depth, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. The character can feel a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself is convincing at flopping and whining – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a very good boy.)

The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, since the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split might seem more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise has potential – but it's hardly a great one either.

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