Merv Review – A Canine Star Commands the Spotlight in the Streaming Giant’s By-the-Book Holiday Romance

This is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a dog post-separation is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations hinder former couples from finding closure, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and become annoying for everyone involved. Seemingly, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.

Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adapting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation works effectively seems rather doubtful.

Standard Holiday Fare

To its credit, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. The narrative proves to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow clinging to green trees as a warm climate stands in for a cold December city.

The Dog's Domain

How these standard ingredients merge into something enjoyable depends on the strength of the performances and one's taste for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who browse regularly for cute animal clips. It provides a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.

Where It Wobbles

Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character comes across as a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a very good boy.)

Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting every expected note. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.

• Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.