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

This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog following a split is a terrible idea. Most will argue such situations impede former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying across the board. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to become depressed.

Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. For a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, one need only look recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation works effectively remains a questionable prospect.

Predictable Foundations

Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. This is a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. The plot proves to be straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – as seen in fake snow clinging to lush pines as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.

Where the Film Shines

How these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is Merv himself, and even if it causes some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.

The Human Element

The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a charming humility that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal can feel a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, the canine performer succeeds in flopping and whining – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)

The film attempts to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for the split would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – though I wouldn't call it a great one either.

• Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.