Merv Review – A Four-Legged Actor Commands the Spotlight in Amazon’s Formulaic Christmas Romcom

It is a common warning in certain circles that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups prevent individuals from finding closure, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.

Without minimizing the inner life of dogs – pet parents attest to their deep emotional capacity. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water remains debatable at best.

Predictable Foundations

Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic has the quality of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for the Northeast.

Where the Film Shines

If these standard ingredients merge into something enjoyable rests upon the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.

Where It Wobbles

Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna comes across as a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog succeeds in looking despondent – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a scene-stealer.)

The film attempts to provide depth to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, given that the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for the split would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting every expected note. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.

• Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform this December.