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

It is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.

Without minimizing the emotional well-being of our pets – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict holds water remains a questionable prospect.

Standard Holiday Fare

To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for a cold December city.

The Canine Charisma

How these familiar elements come together into something enjoyable depends on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.

The Human Element

This level of success does not extend for the human side of the story. The tone vacillates between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal comes across as a bit too dry, particularly when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a very good boy.)

The story strives to add substance to the central romance for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since the dog is by far the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for their original breakup could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.

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